Sarah takes the plunge for home funds

Sarah Edwards, of Abbey Court Residential and Nursing Home, Heath Way, Heath Hayes travelled to Hibaldstow Airfield in Lincolnshire for the skydive.

It was Sarah's first tandem sky dive and she reached speeds of 120mph during her descent attached to an instructor.

She raised £700 in sponsorship from families, friends and home supporters.

The money will go towards outings and entertainment for the residents.

Sarah, aged 38, of Lichfield, said: "Our activities organiser Sarah Martin had originally planned to do the jump on the suggestion of a resident's relatives. She became pregnant and I agreed to step into the breach.

"It was a fantastic experience.

"Freefall was amazing and it was lovely to see everything from so high up.

"I will be doing another jump in the future to help the fund," added Sarah, who has been manager since 2002.

She said that her four-year-old daughter Scarlett was very proud of her.

"She watched the DVD when I got back and was amazed at her mum," she said.

Among the residents at the home is Bill Pearson, aged 91, who played for Hednesford Town from in 1933 and 1934 before being called up to join the Royal Marines, for whom he also played. Hednesford Town manager Dean Edwards, team captain Ross Draper and players Ross Dyer and Elliot Durrell visited the home last month to present Bill with a memorial, centenary cup and book.

Bill told them stories of past players and games and of walking in the snow from his home in Bridgtown to the Cross Keys ground in Hednesford to play for gates of 8,000 plus.

The nursing home, which has 109 single and four shared rooms, is managed by the Restful Homes Group.

Earlier this year the food hygiene at Abbey Court was rated as five star by environmental health officers.