61-year-old Jane Eccles from Cumbria has raised over £1,500 and counting forCarer Support South Lakes.
The dare devil Northern nan completed a 15,000ft skydive to raise money for her local charity. There’s no denying that free-falling at 120mph isn’t for everyone, but Jane proudly said the entire experience was “absolutely amazing”.
To mark 30 years since the start of the Carer Support South Lakes charity, and to raise some worthy funds for the Kendal-based organisation in the process, 61-year-old Jane Eccles from Flookburgh in Cumbria successfully completed her first-ever skydive by leaping from a whopping 15,000 feet.
Image: Skydive North West
If you’re unfamiliar with the charity, Carer Support South Lakes supports unpaid Carers of all ages across Cumbria, and provides them with access to information, emotional support, advocacy, financial support, and opportunities to take a much-needed break.
It’s also a charity that’s close particularly close to Jane’s heart.
The mother of two sons and three stepchildren, and grandmother of five grandchildren, volunteers to support Young Carers at the charity part time, and said she felt she “wanted to do something to highlight the important work it does”.
Jane completed the jump with local skydive company, Skydive North West, in tandem with professional skydiver Ed Roscoe at Cark Airfield in Flookburgh, and her family were out in full force to watch and support her.
Image: Skydive North West
Looking back on her thrilling experience, Jane told ITV Granada: “When we first arrived at the base, the people who had gone up earlier landed in the rain and I thought we might not get up – but the clouds broke, and we managed to do an amazing jump.
“Apparently, I was the noisiest one coming down. All the others were very serene and came down not saying anything, while I was whooping, screaming and shouting.”
Jane set up a dedicated JustGiving page for the skydive, and since taking the brave leap, has managed to raise over £1,500 and counting in donations – which she says she is “so grateful” for and “will make a huge difference”.
Image: Skydive North West
“I’m so grateful to all those people who have given money so far,” Jane continued.
“Donations, whether large or small, will make a huge difference to the charity and help it to continue its vital work with carers.”
The finale of The Celebrity Traitors is hitting our TV screens next Friday, and there’s a big screening party happening in Leeds especially for it.
Don't panic guys, it's happening.
Fancy sitting down to watch one of the cultural events of the year on a big screen with dozens of others who are just as invested in the show as you are? Well, now you can.
And that’s because Belgrave Music Hall, one of the city’s most beloved event spaces and bars, will be hosting a finale watching party and we’re all invited.
Taking place next Friday 23 January, fans of The Traitors are invited to watch the finale which kicks off 9pm in the canteen.
Best part? The tickets are absolutely free and we've no doubt there'll be some banging drink deals on to get the party started.
We’re already searching our wardrobes for an item of clothing that remotely resembles a cloak.
Announcing the news to Instagram, Belgrave said: "The world famous Traitors finale screening is back at Belgrave! In the past we've been graced with the presence of OG Faithful @theomayne1, plus our Clauds has been known to make an appearance (please scroll for evidence)... twists and turns are promised 👀"
So to give this series of The Traitors a proper send off, get yourself to Belgrave Music Hall from 6pm and enjoy a few beverages with like minded fans whilst screaming at the screen as Claudia makes her way into the frame.
Whilst we're on the topic, has anyone got an incredibly glossy black fringed wig we could borrow?
Johnny Depp supergroup Hollywood Vampires have announced a huge gig in Halifax
Daisy Jackson
Hollywood Vampires are heading back out on tour, with a huge Yorkshire gig announced for this year.
The supergroup, which consists of one of the biggest names in Hollywood as well as one of rock’n’roll’s most iconic names, are set to perform at the AO Arena as part of a run of shows.
Hollywood Vampires is made up of A-lister Johnny Depp, as well as rock royalty including Alice Cooper, and Aerosmith’s Joe Perry, plus Tommy Henriksen.
They last performed with an arena tour back in 2023, making these their first gigs in almost three years.
Hollywood Vampires have now announced a return to the stage, with a show at the iconic Piece Hall in Halifax on 22 August.
They’ll be supported by The Jesus and Mary Chain, who marked their 40th anniversary in 2024 with a new album, Glasgow Eyes.
Johnny Depp supergroup Hollywood Vampires announce Manchester gig. Credit: Aaron Perry
Hollywood Vampires formed in 2012, named after Cooper’s celebrity drinking club of the same name where the aim was reportedly to ‘drink until no one could stand up’.
Over the years, the supergroup has worked with the likes of Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, and Zak Starkey (formerly the drummer for Oasis).
A Three Presale for tickets will take place from 10am on Wednesday 21 January, followed by a venue presale on Thursday 22 January, then general sale from 10am on Friday 23 January.