A PLUCKY student conquered her fear of heights by plummeting out of a plane at 15,000 feet on the day she turned 21.

Third year University of Lincoln student Sarah Lloyd, of Bencombe Road, Marlow, took part in a sponsored skydive at Brigg airfield in Lincolnshire, raising nearly £1,000 towards vital hospital equipment in the process.

Sarah, who is studying animal management and welfare dedicated her effort to Scannappeal’s charity drive at Wycombe Hospital.

The charity, based in Amersham, hopes to raise £150,000 for the hospital’s urology department.

The former pupil of St Peters Catholic Primary School, Prospect Road, was petrified of heights but decided it was time to tackle her fear head on.

She said: "It was amazing. I was told it was 10,000 feet but it was actually 15,000 feet but I only found out when I got to the bottom. “It didn't make any difference though, I absolutely loved it, it was a very good experience."

"I definitely have overcome my fear of heights - when we were freefalling I didn't once think I want to open my parachute, I thought ‘I am quite happy to keep going‘, I didn't once think about the height at all.

She added: “I don't think I would have had the courage before but doing it for charity motivated me and I'd definitely do it again whether it's the sheer fun or whether it's for charity again.”

Sarah did the jump with friend Tim Dearing on November 22 - the day she celebrated her 21st birthday.

She said: “I was full of adrenaline when we finished it and then we all went out partying for my birthday - it got us all in the spirit.”

Mother Denise Lloyd, of Bencombe Road, Marlow, who works in admissions at Wycombe Hospital, was given a rolling update of Sarah’s progress by text message from a friend so the family knew exactly when she was up in the plane and when she had jumped.

She said: “She did really well and thoroughly enjoyed herself.

"We were absolutely thrilled and delighted that she had the nerve to go through with it.

“She has managed to raise so much money for Scannappeal- she’s gone above the target.”

She added: “I’m not quite sure where she gets the adventours streak from.”