Waddesdon Hairdressers Take on Charity Skydive in Memory of Aylesbury Schoolgirl

Three members of the team at Waddesdon’s Affinity Hair Design are preparing to take a leap of faith this weekend as they tackle a charity skydive in memory Amelia Aplin.

Dawn, Charlotte and Scarlett will take to the skies on Sunday 13 September to raise money for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), a charity that is particularly close to their hearts.

The challenge will be a first for all three of them — and while excitement is building, so too are the nerves.

“We have never been skydiving before, so this is definitely going to be a first for us,” the team said.

“We are really excited about it, but we have to admit we are starting to get a little nervous now that the big day is getting closer!”

The team admits that thoughts of standing at the open door of a plane are beginning to make the challenge feel very real.

“We keep thinking it's going to be amazing once we're actually up there, but we are sure the nerves will kick in when we're standing at the door of the plane!”

Rather than concentrating too much on the jump itself, the three are trying to focus on enjoying the experience — and having plenty of laughs along the way.

“We are trying not to think too much about the actual jump and just focus on the experience and having a good laugh with everyone,” they said.

“I’m sure we’ll all be encouraging each other... or trying to convince each other not to back out!”

Behind the challenge is a deeply personal reason for the team to take part.

The skydive is being held in memory of Amelia, who tragically passed away in March this year while playing football for Oxford United Girls Academy.

Amelia's family are close friends of Dawn, and the team wanted to find a way to honour her memory while helping raise awareness of the devastating impact of sudden cardiac death among young people.

“This is our way of honouring her memory while helping other families avoid the same heartbreak,” the team explained.

The team also hopes their fundraising will help more people understand the vital work carried out by CRY.

Cardiac Risk in the Young works to raise awareness of sudden cardiac death in young people, supports families affected by the loss of a loved one, and works towards reducing the number of young lives lost to undiagnosed cardiac conditions.

The team highlighted how sudden cardiac death can affect young people who appear fit and healthy, often without warning, making awareness and appropriate heart screening particularly important.

“It's something that can happen without warning, often to young, fit and seemingly healthy people, which is why raising awareness and encouraging heart screening is so important,” they said.

CRY also provides vital support to families facing the unimaginable loss of a young loved one.

According to the team, every week in the UK at least 12 seemingly fit and healthy young people lose their lives to undiagnosed cardiac conditions.

CRY's work includes raising awareness, funding research, improving screening programmes and supporting families affected by young sudden cardiac death.

For Dawn, Charlotte and Scarlett, the skydive is therefore about much more than overcoming a fear of heights.

It is an opportunity to remember Amelia, support her family and raise money for a cause that could help prevent other families from experiencing the same heartbreak.

“Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help CRY continue their vital work and could help save young lives in the future.”

As the big day approaches, the nerves may be growing — but so is the excitement.

And after three first-time skydivers step out of that plane, the team at Affinity Hair Design will hopefully have a story they will never forget.

“Thank you so much for your support. It truly means the world to us, Amelia's family, and everyone at CRY.”

You can donate to the cause here (external link);.