A MUM who got her life back after suffering domestic abuse has raised more than £1,000 for the charity that helped her by jumping out of a plane.

Michelle Usher-Benwell, 34, signed up for a 12-week support programme with Hometruths, who provide one-to-one support for women who have been in abusive relationships.

After getting her life back on course she hosted a charity fun day and launched herself from the skies to give something back to the charity. The jump, courtesy of London Sky Dive, took place at Redlands Airfield last Sunday, with Michelle conquering her fears in front of friends and family.

Her proud mum, Yve, said the support Michelle had received from Hometruths had been invaluable.

She said: “They have helped her to move forward and she is in a much better place now. You can’t wave a magic wand and make these things get better overnight, but for Michelle she had already separated from her previous partner, and Hometruths were able to give her the skills to carry on with her life.

“She gained an awful lot from them, and she felt they had given her back herself and her life. Now she is no longer using their services, she felt she wanted to give something back.

“She did a lot of planning up to this stage, and she had never done a skydive before so she overcame a lot of fears to do this.''

“She was pretty calm about it until she started to walk towards the plane and they put the flight suits on. The jump was scheduled for two weeks ago, but weather conditions meant it had to be postponed, so we ended up going out the Sunday just gone.

“Kim from the charity came along to watch her, along with me, her dad, and her two little children. While there is nothing else planned for the future I wouldn’t rule anything out. She seems to have found a little niche.”

Kim Swinden, a founder of the organisation, said: “We can’t thank her enough for all of her dedication to making the event happen. As an independent organisation we are always looking for innovative ways to raise funds and to raise awareness.''

“She decided to organise it because she used some of our services and she wanted to give something back.”

To find out more about Hometruths call 01793 617589 or email info@hometruths.coop