Nicci reaches for the stars as she raises money for the MS Society

THE sky is the limit for 51-year-old Nicci Jenkins who is jumping out of a plane to raise funds for the MS Society.

Nicci, who lives in Tewkesbury, has both multiple sclerosis (MS) and a heart condition but is determined not let that stop her living her life to the full.

Despite needing sticks to walk she has already been gliding twice this year, has canoed along the River Wye and walked along the Great Wall of China.

She said: "I used to be a member of the Scouting Association and did a lot of abseiling and rock climbing. But now I just do not have the body strength to do those things.

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"However, that doesn't mean I should give up on doing exciting activities and I am still open to new experiences.

"I run on the policy of 'use it or lose it' so I have tried to maintain a 'can do' attitude towards my condition."

Nicci's health problems began when she suffered a series of mini strokes seven years ago and she has since had two heart operations, including open heart surgery.

She was diagnosed with MS six years ago but Nicci has learned to live with her limitations.

"My life has changed completely since I was diagnosed," she said. "I have been determined to keep walking and regularly use walking poles.

"I try and stay on my feet as much as possible."

Nicci is aiming to raise £500 for the MS Society when she takes the big plunge over the Cotswolds on September 29.

She said: "The MS Society has been fantastic to me and a great support network. I regularly see its nurses who monitor the condition as it constantly changes and has different effects.

"It would have been a lot different if I had not had the support of the society, which I can always approach with questions and I regularly go to its coffee mornings.

"I feel slightly apprehensive about the skydive but I love being in the air.

"Whenever I go abroad by plane I always want to sit by the window. I am looking forward to the free-fall of the skydive because I think it will give me a real buzz and should be absolutely amazing."

A few places are still available on Nicci's flight so if anyone would like to join her they should visit www.mssociety.org.uk/adrenalin.

To donate to Nicci's challenge visit beatms.mssociety.org.uk/netcommunity/Nicola-Jenkins.

OPINION, P8