Hollyoaks star Rachel Shenton will take part in her first skydive event in aid of deaf children, organised by the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS), on Saturday 26 March in Bicester, Oxfordshire.
The 23-year-old actress – who plays Mitzeee Minniver on Hollyoaks – has personal experience of deafness and is passionate about ensuring deaf children get the right support they need and the right start in life.
Rachel Shenton said: "I’m really excited to do my first skydive in aid of NDCS. I hope lots of people will join me for this incredible experience and help raise money for deaf children.
“The cause is very close to my heart and I’m proud to be supporting NDCS in helping deaf children overcome the challenges they face in everyday life.”
Rachel’s late father was deaf in the last two years of his life. At 16, Rachel began learning British Sign Language (BSL) and gained Level 3 in BSL. She also worked as a BSL interpreter and volunteered for dDeaflinks, a charity in Staffordshire, running drama workshops for deaf children.
Rachel will be taking on her first skydive in aid of NDCS, jumping from a plane at 10,000 feet. Members of the public are encouraged to support the charity and sign up for the skydive event with Rachel.
Helen Lerwill, NDCS Head of Community and Events, said: "We are delighted that Rachel is supporting our work to break down barriers for deaf children.
“95% of our work to help deaf children is funded by the public, so the commitment of people like Rachel Shenton is vital in helping us provide much-needed services to deaf children and young people.”
Without the right support, deaf children are vulnerable to isolation, poor self-esteem and underachieve at school.
Individuals who wish to learn more about the skydive event, should visit www.ndcschallenges.org.uk. A website specifically for deaf children and young people, called the Buzz, can be found at: www.buzz.org.uk.
