A Mansfield-based nurse who is scared of heights is planning a charity tandem skydive in memory of her beloved sister-in-law.

Specialist public health practitioner Rachel Bishop works with an integrated service for children, young people and families, and is also part of the Covid-19 vaccination team.

She has decided to step out of her comfort zone to raise funds for the National Kidney Federation (NKF), a charity close to her heart, in memory of her late sister-in-law, Sarah Moody.

Rachel, who will do the tandem skydive in Langor, said: “I want to raise money for the National Kidney Federation, which supports patients living with kidney disease.

“I am also doing this in memory of my sister-in-law, Sarah. She was the most amazing person and loved her life. She fought so hard but very sadly died in November after a short battle with cancer.

“I know Sarah would be so proud of me for doing this.”

Sarah had two kidney transplants, at 18 and 27.

“These transplants meant everything to her and were so precious to allow her to lead a fantastic life,” explained Rachel.

“She would fundraise for charities all of the time, even when she was poorly, and would always think about other people and their needs.”

Sarah competed for Great Britain in badminton, volleyball and basketball at the World Transplant Games, winning medals for Team GB.

Rachel added: “Sarah travelled far across the world to compete in her sport for Great Britain and I had the amazing opportunity to watch her in Malaga in 2017.

“She would fundraise herself to be able to take part.

“She amazed me with her courage and fight for life, and I will never forget her.

“She has left a massive hole in the world. She was one of my best friends and the best sister-in-law anyone could wish for.”

Rachel will be embarking on her skydive journey in aid of NKF on Friday, 10th September.

“I am very nervous as I am scared of heights, however my family will be there to support me and I know that Sarah will be with me all the way,” added Rachel.

Her initial fundraising target of £500 has been exceeded and already the skydive will raise £1,500.

“I am overwhelmed with the kindness of everyone who has sponsored me,” said Rachel.

“Sarah has had such a huge impact on so many people’s lives and she is missed so much, not only by her husband, my fantastic brother and myself, but by so many family and friends. All of the sponsor money raised is to be directly funded to the NKF.”

The charity is run by kidney patients for kidney patients. It supports more than two million people with chronic kidney disease and 60,000 patients who have end stage kidney failure.

It also supports dialysis and transplanted patients and their carers. NKF offers a National Kidney Patients Helpline on 0800 1690936, medical information leaflets, help and advice — with trained staff answering around 200 calls a week.

Head of fundraising and marketing Pete Revell said: “It is so inspiring to see Rachel set a personal goal, grab hold and take control of her fears — and do this in aid of the NKF. The support behind her is amazing and we at NKF are very grateful, thank you so much.”

To support Rachel go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rachel-bishop17

To take part in an event for NKF go to www.kidney.org.uk/Pages/Events/Category/event?Take=19