Two Southport headteachers have appeared on the BBC Breakfast red couch today to talk about their daring skydive this summer!
Jennifer Sephton and Adrian Antell, Head Teachers of Farnborough Road Infants and Farnborough Road Juniors Schools respectively in Birkdale, are getting ready to jump 15,000 feet out of a plane to raise vital funds for Elsie’s Story Charitable Trust, which has been set up in memory of Elsie Dot Stancombe.
The intrepid pair will take on the terrifying challenge at the Black Knights Skydive Centre in Lancaster on Saturday 21st June 2025.
This morning they spoke about their appeal on BBC Breakfast, with people able to fundraise here: Farnborough Road School is fundraising for Elsie’s Story
Elsie’s Story said: “These two incredible headteachers have been the most amazing support, not just for the school, but for us as a family. They gave up their entire summer last year to stand by our side, helping us and the children in our community through the hardest time, and they continue to do so.
“They’re doing this jump to show children that it’s okay to face your fears, that we can achieve anything together, and that we can lift our community as we go.
“Everything they’ve done has been for the wider community, not just the school and that’s exactly what Elsie’s Story is all about .
“We always talk about the long-term impact, how we support the children now and in the future and that matters deeply to them, and to us.
“Thank you Farnborough Road Infants and Juniors for being the school you are, and for working together in the most inspiring way.”
It’s not just Jennie Sephton and Adrian Antell getting in on the action.
The school has implemented a ‘break the rules’ day where children will donate so that they can wear odd socks, dance in classrooms, mix with other groups, wear face paint and sport temporary tattoos.
There are a total of 15 rules the pupils can break, one for every thousand feet that Jennie and Adrian will be jumping.
Jennie Sephton said: “I would not be doing this on any normal day! This is a charity so close to both our hearts.
“It was always a privilege to teach Elsie and be part of her learning journey at Farnborough. She was such a charismatic, determined young lady who always had an infectious energy and a sparkle in her eyes.
“Elsie is our inspiration and we wanted to do something to honour her memory and celebrate her incredible spirit.”
Adrian Antell said: “Without a doubt we’re both going to be very scared when it comes to jumping! But we know Elsie would be absolutely overjoyed to know her teachers were doing a skydive for her.
“Elsie’s Story is such a wonderful charity that is determined to make positive long lasting change for the town and people of Southport. We want to show our unwavering commitment for the work they are determined to do.”
All donations towards Jennie and Adrian’s skydive will go to Elsie’s Story Charitable Trust and the community of Southport. To donate people can visit this link: Farnborough Road School is fundraising for Elsie’s Story
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