Where are you from and how old are you? Do you have horses?

I live in Coleford and I am 34 years old. I have ridden since I was 12 years old, and have a horse called Connie. (picture of me and Connie at Chepstow Show attached)

What gave you the idea to do a skydive for the cause?

I felt I needed to do something quite spectacular and completely out of my comfort zone in order for people to sponsor me.

I'm not a great lover of heights, and felt sick when I went on the London eye, I'm trying not to think about it too much, but my tummy is going over at the thought of it.

I was in hospital last month with concussion and had short term memory loss – my husband reminded me that I was doing a skydive, and my reactions was "what the hell am I doing something stupid like that for?".

The Society for the Welfare of Horses and Ponies (SWHP) do an amazing job in rescuing and rehabilitating abused and neglected horses and ponies, so I wanted to do my bit to help them continue doing so.

How have you been involved with SWHP in the past and why choose this charity?

I have been a supporter of SWHP for a number of years, attending their open days and fundraising events. This is the first time I have done any direct fundraising for them.

As a member of the SWHP I receive a newsletter twice a year, and the summer newsletter really tugged on my heart strings, as they were begging for help. In the years I have been supporting the SWHP they have never once begged for money, so I knew that they were going through desperate times. They have over 50 horses and ponies in care which is the highest number they have ever had, and have more money going out than coming in.

In the worst cases, rehabilitation can take many months and cost hundreds to thousands of pounds in veterinary attention, special feed and treatment.

The SWHP are not just dealing with the current economic climate with people short of funds to care for their horses, they are dealing with indiscriminate breeding of the worse kind and on a massive scale. These poor horses are unwanted, unloved and have no future. They are left in fields to die slow agonising deaths through disease and starvation.

All the horses the charity take in are nursed back to health and then they find them a good home. Most can return to an active life, others go into retirement as companions to other horses but, wherever they are re-homed, all remain the property of SWHP.

When and where will the jump take place? Have you done one before, and have you been in training?

The jump is on Saturday 18th August (weather permitting) at Duke of Gloucester Barracks, South Cerney, Gloucestershire.

I have not done a jump before. I will undertake a short training briefing before the jump, but as it is tandem jump, I don't have the responsibility of pulling the cord.

Who are you being supported by and how can people get behind you?

I am being supported by my family, friends and work colleagues. I have been raising awareness through my local riding club, and via Hereford equestrian website, so have also had donations from strangers which is really nice and makes it all worthwhile.

I am funding the jump myself so all donations go to SWHP. Every penny counts so please help to ensure the SWHP can continue doing such a wonderful job.

com/shelllambert