Charity | Posted on September 1st, 2025 | return to news

Trauma teddies to skydive for Dorset charity

Two members of the sexual trauma charity STARS Dorset, along with a pair of knitted trauma teddies, will skydive on 5 September to raise funds.

Two members of Sexual Trauma & Recovery Service (STARS Dorset) will take a leap of faith and skydive to raise money for the vital charity.

Hannah Thorneycroft, community SEND consent engagement worker, and Natasha Evans, adult independent sexual violence advisor, are preparing to swap solid ground for the skies on Friday 5 September and take on the thrilling 10,000ft tandem skydive at Salisbury Airfield.

But they won’t be facing the challenge alone. They’ll be leaping alongside two STARS Dorset’s trauma teddies. These knitted comfort bears are normally given to clients for emotional support during incredibly difficult times, often accompanying both children and adults to court. They’ve become an important part of the charity’s care, offering reassurance during moments of extreme stress.

One of the skydiving teddy bears was named Courage by readers of Dorset View in 2024. The other bear, ready for action in full skydiving gear and flying goggles, remains unnamed for now but will be making the jump alongside Courage, Hannah, and Natasha.

Hannah said: “We’re both excited and a little nervous, but this is such a worthy cause. STARS Dorset is all about helping people through their most difficult moments – and if we can face our fears to raise funds and awareness, then it’s absolutely worth it. We’d be so grateful for any support, donations, or for people to share our story.”

STARS Dorset offers one-to-one support, free of charge, for anyone of any age or gender, who lives, works or studies in Dorset and has experienced any form of sexual assault at any time in their lives. The charity provides several different types of support including an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Service, Counselling, Group Work, a Children and Young People’s Service and a Support Line.

Hannah and Natasha have so far raised £685 towards their £1,000 target. To support them, donate via the website: https://www.gofundme.com/f/sky-dive-for-stars-dorset.

To learn more about STARS Dorset, visit the website: https://starsdorset.org.