A MOTHER from Hatch Warren will be taking a plunge from the air to aid Basingstoke hospital.

Claris Angafor will be facing her fear of heights when she skydives later this month to raise funds for a cuddle cot for the hospital after her own experience.

On September 11, 2017, Claris’ son Davi-Jayce was born prematurely after a gestation period of only 22 weeks and two days. He also got stuck trying to push through Claris' cervix.

He lived for only 80 minutes and Claris had to remain in hospital for another two weeks, but was able to spend time with her son thanks to a cuddle cot provided by the hospital’s bereavement team.

A cuddle cot is a small cooling unit that can be placed in a crib or similar to keep the baby cool and slow down the chemical breakdown that happens soon after a baby dies.

Claris said: “I know that not all parents get to have cuddles with their child after an event like this, and it is hard without a cuddle cot.

“It really helps in the grieving process that you were there with them longer, and while the pain will always be there, it can be lessened slightly by knowing that you had all the time you could with them.

“The staff at the hospital were really quite amazing, they were really supportive and answered all my questions.”

It is this experience and passion that is driving Claris to face her fear of heights.

Claris added: “A fear of heights has always been a problem for me but I feel so passionately about this that I feel I can go any length to help others, and it will also lessen my fear of heights as well.

“I’m really looking forward to it.”

Claris will be joined by a few of her friends as she goes to Salisbury to do the skydive, which is almost a 42nd birthday present, as she will be jumping on May 26, three days after her birthday.

To donate, go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/claris-angafor-1