THE SISTER of a soldier killed in Afghanistan is to overcome one of her biggest fears for charity.
Gemma Frampton, the sister of fallen soldier Anton Frampton, will be skydiving to raise money for The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA).
Jumping out of an aircraft is a frightening experience for most, but for Gemma it’s a nightmare as she’s terrified of heights.
That’s why she’ll be taking her friend Charlotte Lewis along to take the plunge with her.
Gemma, 26, of Longwood, and Charlotte, 18, of Shelley, hope to raise £1,000 or more for SSAFA, the UK’s oldest armed forces charity.
Gemma and Charlotte will be parachuting from several miles above an airfield, in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, on June 3, which would have been Anton’s 22nd birthday.
Gemma said: “I can’t even explain how scared of heights I am.
“I’ve been on rollercoasters and big wheels before but I feel like I’m going to have a heart attack!
“There’s a bit of fear, but I’m looking forward to it.
“It’s overcoming that fear as well as helping a charity.”
Since her brother’s death Gemma has raised over £10,000 for charities including the Yorkshire Regiment Benevolent Trust and Operation Reset.
Gemma said: “This is one of the biggest challenges for us.
“Charlotte is scared of heights, but not quite as scared as I am.”
Pte Frampton, 20, died alongside fellow Huddersfield soldiers, Cpl Jake Hartley, 20, of New Mill, and Pte Daniel Wilford, 21, of Cowlersley.
The three, and three other comrades, died when their armoured vehicle was blown up by a Taliban improvised explosive device, on March 6, 2012.
SSAFA provides practical, financial and emotional support to serving and retired soldiers.
The charity helped Gemma’s family after her brother’s death.
For information visit: www.ssafa.org.uk .
Sponsor Gemma and Charlotte at www.justgiving.com/gemma-frampton
