Teenager Abi Saltman skydived from an altitude of 10,000ft to raise money for Jewish Care’s latest development in Redbridge.

The 18-year-old, who is halfway to raising her £4,000 target, overcame one of her biggest fears as she jumped out of a plane on August 23.

Money raised by the teenager, who is a senior leader in Jewish Care’s MIKE youth leadership programme, will go towards the charity’s new £25 million development in Redbridge.

Abi, who is a keen volunteer for the charity, said: “I decided it’s about time I overcame my fear of heights.

“It felt like a long journey to 10,000 feet and I was right by the open door of the plane all the way. The freefall was fun and parachuting down was quite unreal, like being in a green screen. I was so relieved everything went well and rewarding to know that I’ve raised money for such a great charity.”

Jewish Care’s new community campus will support the needs of the East London and Essex Jewish community on the site of the current Redbridge Jewish Community Centre.

The site will include a community centre space which will house a centre for people living with dementia, along with a 66-bed care home, replacing the Vi & John Rubens House in Gants Hill.

Abi said Jewish Care’s MIKE leadership scheme has given her the confidence “to run workshops for young children, represent my school and speak at public events, and the opportunity to volunteer and support others.”

Jewish Care’s Director of Fundraising and Community Engagement, Adam Overlander-Kaye thanked Abi on behalf of Jewish Care. He added, “Her bravery to overcome her fear of heights to fundraise for charity is inspiring.”