Southport headteachers complete skydive for Elsie’s Story

Two courageous headteachers in Southport have completed a 15,000 skydive to raise thousands of pounds for the Elsie’s Story charity. 

Jennifer Sephton and Adrian Antell, Head Teachers of Farnborough Road Infants and Farnborough Road Juniors Schools respectively, completed their leap for Elsie’s Story at the Black Knights Parachute Centre in Lancaster on Saturday, 21st June 2025.

They were inspired to take on the challenge by former pupil Elsie Dot Stancombe, who tragically died last year aged seven, who Jennifer Sephton described as

“Such a charismatic, determined young lady who always had an infectious energy and a sparkle in her eyes”.

Over 500 people have donated through the headteachers’ JustGiving page so far, raising more than £18,000 for Elsie’s Story.

On Friday, pupils at Farnborough Road enjoyed their ‘Break The Rules Day’ which saw them donate money to break a list of 15 rules in school! 

On Saturday, many pupils, teachers and parents at Farnborough Road also raised funds for Elsie’s Story through the Southport Colour Run which took place at Southport Rugby Club. 

Adrian Antell and Jennifer Sephton said: 

“This was the first ever skydive for both of us – and we’d both go again!!!

“It was an amazing experience that everyone should do! Go for it!

“We both want to inspire children to be brave, live their lives and grab every moment that they can.

“We are both so proud to be supporting Elsie’s Story so that Elsie is remembered as the beautiful young person that she was.” 

Thanks to sponsorship from Rigby Building Contractors and Lee Bibby Building services, the skydive was fully paid for, which means that every penny that people donate will go directly to Elsie’s Story. Fundraising remains open. 

Jennifer Sephton said:

“I would not be doing this on any normal day! This is a charity so close to both our hearts.

“It was always a privilege to teach Elsie and be part of her learning journey at Farnborough. She was such a charismatic, determined young lady who always had an infectious energy and a sparkle in her eyes.

“Elsie is our inspiration and we wanted to do something to honour her memory and celebrate her incredible spirit.”

Adrian said:

“Without a doubt we were both going to be very scared when it came to jumping! “But we knew Elsie would be absolutely overjoyed to know her teachers were doing a skydive for her.

“Elsie’s Story is such a wonderful charity that is determined to make positive long lasting change for the town and people of Southport. We wanted to show our unwavering commitment for the work they are determined to do.”

To donate to Elsie’s Story, click this link.

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