A SOUTHAMPTON priest has jumped out of a plane for charity.

Linda Galvin, 57, Assistant Curate at St James Church in West End, took part in a skydive in aid of the Southampton Street Pastors.

She overcame her fear of heights and leapt from the plane at 15,000 feet in the air.

The priest from Hedge End has nearly hit her fundraising target of £1,000. Linda was asked to raise just £500 but wanted to double that, she said to raise any more than her goal would be ‘amazing’.

Southampton Street Pastors are volunteers who patrol the streets around Southampton’s bars and nightclubs, offering help and support to the people they meet.

They help people in a variety of ways, from calming aggressive situations and supporting vulnerable people to handing out fruit pastilles and bottles of water.

Linda said that she was ‘absolutely terrified’ before she made the leap. She said: “I was absolutely terrified but I am so glad I did it.

“It’s such a great cause that I thought it was worth throwing myself out of a plane for.

Linda said that people might seem shocked about a priest jumping out of a plane but the days of ‘old-fashioned’ churches are now gone.

She said: “People seem to have this old-fashioned view of churches but nowadays we love to be out in the community getting involved with things.

“We have a passion for working with people and we work hard to be a part of the community.”

Each week Street Pastors in Hampshire patrol around the streets of Andover, Winchester, Eastleigh, Basingstoke, Chandler’s Ford, Hedge End and Bournemouth.

Linda helped to ensure the patrol service continues by raising money for the Southampton Branch.

Mandy Harding co-ordinator of the Southampton Street Pastors was one of the three volunteers who skydived at the same time as Linda.

She said: “Jumping from a plane was an amazing experience for us all and we are so grateful for all the money that has been raised.

“The day was terrifying, exhilarating, challenging and extraordinary – we’ are already planning our next skydive!”

To donate to the charity, visit: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/lindagalvin1madcurate.