A YOUNG woman battling against a debilitating disease is preparing to fall from the skies to boost a lifeline charity.

Louise Turner will jump from a plane at a height of 13,000-feet when she attempts a parachute jump with the Red Devils to 'give something back' to the organisations that have helped her cope with ME over the past few years.

The 20-year-old, of Marine Road West, Morecambe says her life was turned upside down two years ago when she was diagnosed with ME (Myalgic Encephalopathy). There is no cure for the disease, which can leave sufferers wheelchair or bed bound for many years.

But Louise says she has had a lot of support from the charity AYME and Primrose House, a holistic centre in Middleton.

"I don't have a social life and had to drop out of college and so it is very difficult to meet people. I do have a few friends who understand my illness and do not mind if I cannot go out with them," she says.

Louise walks with crutches, sometimes needs a wheelchair and struggles to hold a lengthy conversation because she easily gets tired.

In preparation for her jump on May 19 in Nottingham, Louise will have to get plenty of rest and acknowledges she will suffer afterwards and could even be laid up in bed for days.

She is hoping to raise at least £1,000 and says that anyone wishing to sponsor her can call AYME on 08451-232389.