A YOUNG woman is taking on a skydive for charity in a bid to help some of the most crisis hit countries in the world.

Shakirah Farooq, 22, will jump out of a plane in Oxfordshire on July 1 for the worldwide charity, Human Appeal.

Miss Farooq, of Richards Way, Cippenham, a former Bayliss Court School pupil, wants to raise at least £800 by mid-June.

The South Bank University graduate has been going to the Absolutely Fitness Gym in Slough to get ready for the skydive, as well as increasing her walking activity.

She said: “I am nervous when talking to other people about it - they say ‘you are really brave’ but I’m looking forward to it because it is for a really good cause and it is about time I did something for charity that has an impact and shows that charity is important.

“Everyone needs help now and again and we shouldn’t have too much pride - we should just help out.”

Miss Farooq will be trained on the day for the skydive, alongside a group of other fundraisers. She has so far raised over £100.

She added that she wanted to inspire other young, Muslim women to be more open with their parents and try new challenges.

She said: “I have convinced my parents and my family is supporting me. I want other people to know that it’s all in your head sometimes - you just need to ask.”

The opportunity came at the right time for the jump as Miss Farooq finished an internship in March.

Human Appeal delivers aid and development programmes in some of the poorest countries including Burma, Ethiopia and war-torn Syria.

To help Miss Farooq reach her £800 target, click here