A TEACHING assistant braved the heights as she launched herself from 15,000 feet in the air to raise money for charity.

Erica Shaw, who hails from Radcliffe, undertook a tandem parachute jump in aid of a trust that was set up in memory of Manchester Arena bomb victim Olivia Campbell-Hardy.

Olivia, aged 15, was one of the 22 people to lose their lives in the blast last year.

Ms Shaw, of Smyrna Street, is a family friend of Olivia’s grandparents Steve and Sharon Goodman, who launched Liv's Trust CIO to support under 25s across Greater Manchester who have an interest in musical or dance education.

Ms Shaw said: "The parachute jump was an amazing experience I will never forget.

"The staff were all brilliant, particularly Mark my instructor and John the cameraman. "They both helped me feel at ease throughout the experience meaning I could enjoy every minute."

The 42-year-old undertook the jump at Black Knights Parachute Centre in Lancaster, the longest running skydiving centre in the country, on Saturday, June 23, supported by her parents, son, aunt and uncle.

Her Just Giving page has helped to raise £500 so far, with donations still coming in.

Ms Shaw said: "I wanted to do the skydive for Liv’s Trust because I have known the family who set up the charity for more than 20 years and want to help them make it a success.

"The trust may also one day help a child I have worked with in my role as a teaching assistant.

"I hope that the fundraising goes some way in helping the trust to achieve their goal of helping young people to pursue their dreams in music, dance and performing arts."

To donate, visit livstrust.org.uk.