A WOMAN from Taunton has raised £755 for a charity close to her heart by taking on a skydive from 15,000 feet in memory of her grandfather.

Mollie James leapt from a plane over Dunkeswell yesterday (Sunday, May 7) for Alzheimer's Society to remember Terrance James, who was better known as Terry.

She has set up a JustGiving page, which has a target of £1,000.

Before the challenge, she said: "I'm taking the leap for the Alzheimer's Society to help beat dementia. Together, we can find a cure.

"On my grandad's birthday weekend, I am doing a 15,000 ft sky dive to raise money for a charity that is so important to me and my family: The Alzheimer's Society.

"My grandad Terry is not remembered or defined by his Alzheimer’s.   

"He is remembered for being a rock to his family - a loving husband, a wonderful father, and a devoted grandad and great-grandad.

"I remember him for always being outside ‘tinkering’ with something in the garage when we pulled up to his house.

"It took him hours to park the car, as he searched for that perfect dent-proof parking spot.

"He always, always had his camcorder at the ready, quick to capture anything that might be a precious memory. He was just so proud of his family, and wanted to preserve every moment and treasure the memories.

"He did everything, anything for his family. He was safety and strength. The BBQ king. Always outdoors, he found joy in tending the garden.

"Even as the Alzheimer's ate at his memories, he could still pick up a pencil and draw the most beautiful houses.

"I remember his kind, loving touch. I still feel the touch of his skin and his gentle kiss on my forehead when we said goodbye for the last time.

"Terrance James: an inspiring man who will always be our hero. I hold his memory so deeply in my heart that I feel him with every step I take."

She added: "Even today, in my current job role, I see grandad in every one of my clients and I want them to know all the love, respect and dignity that he deserved. Dementia is a cruel, tragic disease that can affect anyone.

"I want to be up in the sky, as near as I can get to my grandad on his birthday. I know he'll give me the strength to conquer my fear of heights, and I know that would make him proud. Every penny counts."

A spokesperson for the charity said: "Alzheimer’s Society is transforming the landscape of dementia forever.

"Until the day we find a cure, we will create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted, able to live in their community without fear or prejudice."

For more information and to donate, visit www.justgiving.com/page/mollie93.