AN ALLOA woman is preparing to take the plunge out of an aeroplane in a drive to help those suffering from Multiple Sclerosis.
Monica Partridge, who encounters physical challenges of her own every day, has signed herself up to a tandem skydive and fundraising challenge, hoping to collect as much as £1,000 for MS Society Scotland.
The 57-year-old former care nurse will be joining a team of 17 others at Fife Airport in Glenrothes next month as she has seen first-hand how the condition can affect not just patients, but their families.
She has already raised more than £100, having held a karaoke night at The Junction – the function suite next to the Thistle Pub, and hopes the donations on her page will skyrocket in the coming weeks.
While she is not keen on flying and never thought she would willingly “jump out of a perfectly fine aeroplane attached to a bit of silk”, she is keen to take part to help where she can.
Monica told the Advertiser: “I know how devastating MS can be, not just for sufferers, but their families as well.
“They have to re-adapt as the disease progresses and new challenges come along.”
She added: “I used to work with it, I used to work for Crossroads (Caring) up here, many-many years ago, going back about 30 years.”
The karaoke night took place on Saturday, and netted £81 for the cause.
Monica was delighted with the turnout and said the whole night was “brilliant”, thanking all those who helped out.
The Alloa woman, who has never done a skydive before, is determined to go through with it despite her fears and challenges because it is all for a good cause.
She said: “I’m the type of person that will get nervous beforehand but on the day I’ll just go: ‘Okay, I’m ready, let’s go!’ It will not stop me.”
The big jump will take place next Saturday, August 4, with friends and family expected for a day out at the Glenrothes airport as they support the skydivers.
There will be stalls and food and there will be further chances to donate to the MS Society.
Until then, Monica hopes to fit another fundraising event in but is mainly urging people to head to her page via justgiving.com/fundraising/Monica-Schween-Partridge1 and donate.
She is also speaking to people around the town to gather interest and sponsorship while raising awareness.
Tomorrow, Thursday July 26, Monica will be hosting a stall in town to gather more sponsorship.
Anyone interested in hearing more, and those who can kindly donate as little or as much as they can, can catch her at the pop-up market near the Candleriggs car park opposite Kilncraigs.
With no known cure for the neurological disease, the MS Society funds research and helps those affected through a range of services, making sure no-one faces MS alone.