Colchester mayoress completes skydive challenge with world-famous army regiment

THE mayoress of Colchester says an adrenaline-fuelled skydive from 13,000ft with a world-famous parachute display team was an experience she “will never forget”.

Jessica Scott-Boutell, 30, took on a tandem skydive with the elite Red Devils team for charity on Friday at Netheravon Airfield in Wiltshire

After meeting the Red Devils when they visited Colchester for a Support Our Paras dinner in August last year, Jessica was inspired to fundraise for five separate charities.

The big challenge was in aid of mum and Colchester mayor Lesley Scott-Boutell’s chosen charities – Colchester Pride, the Royal Association for Deaf People, Guts UK, Support Our Paras, and RSPCA Essex Mid and North.

On the day – Colchester Mayoress Jessica Scott-Boutell (Image: Public) On the day, Jessica felt apprehensive as she was “literally stepping into the unknown”.

At the airfield, there was a delay due to the weather being overcast but as the skies cleared and after saying goodbye to her mum, she undertook the skydive with Corporal Henry Mole.

The Red Devils member has completed more than 3,000 jumps and Jessica knew she was “going to be in safe company”.

She said: “We were so lucky that the clouds broke up and I was able to skydive that day. They were determined the skydive would happen.

Experence – Colchester Mayor Lesley Scott-Boutell and Mayoress Jessica Scott-Boutell pictured in the middle next to the Red Devils members (Image: Public) “It was such an exhilarating experience.

“I was trying to keep my calm in the plane ride-up, and I knew I couldn’t let any of the charities down and not go through with it.

“It was an experience that I will never forget.”

A GoFundMe page set up by Jessica has so far raised £870 of her £1,000 target for the charities.

“People can still donate at the go fund me link, we continue to raise as much money for the charities and I’m so grateful for all of the donations so far,” she said.

The big moment – Jessica Scott-Boutell getting ready to jump from the plane (Image: Skydive Netheravon)

Amazing – mid skydive (Image: Skydive Netheravon)

Her mum Lesley said: “I’m so proud of my daughter for stepping out of her comfort zone to, as Mayoress, raise money for my charities as all are deeply personal to us both.

“Thanks to John Lazenby for suggesting this initiative and to the Red Devils for the care shown to her and making it an unforgettable day.”