A whopping £12,860 was raised when an 18-strong group reached for the STARS and took part in a mass skydive.

They included staff members, volunteers and supporters of Sexual Trauma and Recovery Services (STARS Dorset).

It was the largest number ever supporting the charity in a skydive.

Each skydiver completed the challenge which was held in the skies over Salisbury.

Some did a tandem jump at an altitude of 15,000ft and others at 10,000ft.

In total, the group had almost a full minute of freefall time.

Every jumper smashed their fundraising target.

Charlie Souter-Phillips, pictured left, STARS Dorset’s Volunteer Co-ordinator and one of the skydivers, said: “I wanted to take on a challenge that would push me out of my comfort zone.

“I was really scared at the thought of jumping out of a plane.

“However, it was a brilliant experience and I would advise anyone who is thinking of doing it to do it.

“We were very blessed to have beautiful sunshine on the day too.

“The fact that I enjoyed it so much and we raised over £12,000 for STARS Dorset made it even better.”

STARS Dorset organises a skydive at GoSkydive in Salisbury each year to help raise vital funds for the charity’s work across the county.

All the services offered by STARS Dorset, including its one to one counselling service, support line and Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) service are free.

Public donations help maintain the services.

Last year STARS Dorset supported more than 2,000 people across the county.

If you’d like to support STARS Dorset and either you – or your business – would like to take part in a skydive for the charity then please get in touch.

Anyone who has been affected by sexual violence, and would like confidential advice and support, can call the STARS Dorset support line on 01202 308855 or visit starsdorset.org.