A BOURNEMOUTH woman is set to soar in a 15,000 feet skydive to raise money for two important charities.

Leah Sims, 43, was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) in 2012 and suffers with Dystonia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome as a result.

Despite living with a debilitating condition, Leah is keen to raise awareness of her condition while fundraising for The Brain Charity and FND Hope who have supported her and those in a similar position to herself.

Leah said: "I am doing to raise awareness for my health conditions. My life has been on a lockdown through being mostly homebound and at times bedridden.

"I have suffered for years as my health deteriorated over several years. I had a head injury some years ago, then everything happened slowly from that.

"I get slurred speech, spasms in my jaw as well as my tongue and throughout my entire body. My health fluctuates from both day to day and hour to hour, and I have carers who make my food and take me out when I am able to.

"My health has stolen a lot from me and have felt like I have been living with a bereavement of my old self, that was the active and determined part of myself.

"I really hope to one day help empower others and turn my experiences into something beautiful."

Leah's first step to empowerment is the skydive, which will take place on September 17.

She said: "I refuse to give up. I feel this is important for me to raise awareness and I hope the skydive will do wonders in helping to raise money for the charity and spreading awareness. It’s so important to me and for others many of which know the challenges.

"The work The Brain Charity do is just amazing, and the more I raise the better, but I am looking to raise £1,000."

To support Leah, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/leah-sims1