Southport headteachers raise over £10,000 for Elsie's Story with charity skydive

Two daredevil Southport teachers have raised over £10,000 as they prepare themselves to skydive from an aircraft flying at 15,000 ft over Lancashire this weekend

Jennifer Sephton and Adrian Antell, Head Teachers of Farnborough Road Infants and Farnborough Road Juniors Schools respectively, will courageously take on their skydive from the Black Knights Parachute Centre in Lancaster this Saturday (21st June 2025).

They are determined to raise as much money as they can for the Elsie’s Story charity, which was set up in memory of Elsie Dot Stancombe.

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

So far nearly 300 people have donated £10,557 through the headteachers’ JustGiving page ‘Elsie’s Story Headteachers’ Skydive’.

It is a busy few days of fundraising ahead, with children at the two schools taking part in a ‘Break the Rules Day’ where children will pay to break the rules on this Friday (20th June 2025) while staff, parents and other members of the local community will be taking part in the ‘Colour Run’ at Southport Rugby Club this Saturday (21st June 2025).

Jennifer Sephton and Adrian Antell said:

“Elsie’s Story is clearly a charity that is close to everyone’s heart.

“Farnborough Road Schools want to help raise money so that the charity can help make some really positive changes in the local community.

“On Friday 20th June and Saturday 21st June, we want to engage the whole community to raise money for the charity that aims to create a positive legacy in memory of Elsie Dot Stancombe.”

With just days until the skydive, Jennie says the pressure is on.

She 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’re both going to be very scared when it comes to jumping! But we know 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 want to show our unwavering commitment for the work they are determined to do.”

All donations towards Jennie and Adrian’s skydive will go to Elsie’s Story Charitable Trust and the community of Southport.