Alison Ferris will be fulfiling a long-held ambition when she completes her first parachute jump next Saturday, February 25.

The adrenaline-fuelled leap is all in a good cause as the 23-year-old is hoping to raise £500 for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).

The charity is a special one to Alison, of Upper Sackville Street, Skipton, who is currently a student at the University of Sheffield, as she was born with the rare liver condition, alpha 1 anti-trypsin deficiency.

“CLDF is the only charity dedicated to fighting all forms of childhood liver disease and has been there for my family, providing information and support ever since I was diagnosed,” said Alison.

“One of the best things they do is organise events so that I get to meet other young people affected by liver disease. Because it’s rare, I don’t come across people in everyday life who face the same issues as me, so it’s great to meet and make friends with people who understand what it’s like.

“Compared to many people with liver disease, I’m one of the lucky ones. Apart from not being able to drink and smoke like many students do, I can pretty much live a normal life, which is why I want to help other young people affected by liver disease.

“I’ve always wanted to do a parachute jump, so I’m hoping it will be a great way of raising funds and awareness.”

Catherine Arkley, chief executive of CLDF, said: “Two children in the UK are diagnosed with a liver disease every day and there is still no cure.

“We rely heavily on fundraising to enable us to continue our work, supporting young people and their families, providing information to healthcare professionals and funding research. We’re therefore delighted to hear that Alison is doing a parachute jump for us and wish her the very best of luck.”

People can help Alison towards her target at justgiving.com/ Alisondoesaskydive.