A big leap for RSPCA worker

Photo: Laura Wild

Chantal Taylor decided to do a skydive to help raise funds for the branch to look after pets like her dog, Blue.

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A brave member of staff at RSCPA Rochdale took a huge leap for charity last weekend.

Deputy Manager, Chantal Taylor, completed a charity skydive to raise money for the Rochdale branch on Redcross Street.

Ms Taylor, 29, has worked at the branch for 3 years and said the sights she sees on a day to day basis were the reason for the jump.

In particular, a dog named Blue which was brought into the centre with a stomach full of drugs, forced into him by his previous owner, who was wanted by the police. Blue was in a very poorly state and cost the branch £2,000 in vet bills.

Ms Taylor said: “That is just one scenario of many things I have seen but I just thought what can I do to raise some money for the branch.

“It was quite extreme to decide to do a skydive and I never done anything like this before.”

So far Ms Taylor has raised £1,450 and she is still collecting money. It was November when Ms Taylor decided to do the jump, she said: “I am 29, almost 30 and it is something I have always fancied doing.”

The jump took place at the Black Knights Parachute centre near Morecambe, on Sunday 23 May, unfortunately there had been a one week delay caused by the volcanic ash cloud.

Ms Taylor said: “I was quite nervous in the morning but it was such a great experience - Words can’t describe it.I would definitely do it again!”

Branch Manager Jean Spencer said: “We are all very proud of Chan; it is very brave to leap out of a plane. We are really pleased with the amount of money she has raised, it means a lot.”

The money raised will contribute towards various running costs at the centre, on average the monthly vet bills are £4,000 and the running costs are about £1,500 a day.

The branch has various events through the year to raise money to keep the branch going, the next will be a micro-chipping day on Saturday 19 June, which helps owners to trace their dog if it has been lost or stolen.