A GROUP of colleagues at Ruby Country Medical Practice will set their sights on the skies in a bid to raise money for one of their own who is battling motor neurone disease.

Charlotte Pearce, 51, is described by friends as ‘a loving mum and wife’ who works as a patient services advisor at Holsworthy Medical Centre who was diagnosed with MND.

Her colleagues, set up ‘Charlotte’s Angels’ to set themselves the challenge of raising as much money as they possibly can in order to help Mrs Pearce and her family in the coming months and years.

A spokesperson for the group said of their challenge: “In March 2024, after experiencing muscle weakness in her legs for a period of time and going through multiple tests, Charlotte was sadly diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), a disease difficult to diagnose in its early stages. The NHS.uk website states MND is an uncommon condition affecting the brain and nerves, causing weakness that gets worse over time. There is no cure for MND and no treatments to reduce the impact on peoples lives.

“Nearly 12 months later she is no longer able to stand and is reliant on a wheelchair to get around the house and when she goes out. Getting support for making valuable changes to her home to enable her to navigate and leave her house has been challenging and having a ground level, outdoor toilet has not been without difficulty, all resulting in Charlotte depending largely on family, friends and neighbours to help.

“Due to her mobility she is now working part-time from home, answering the phone with a cheery hello and smile and assisting patients as much as she can. She keeps in touch with her co-workers throughout the day through instant messages, emails and phone calls and often pops in to see them when she has appointments at North Devon Hospice located next door.

“Much loved by her co-workers, some have come together, with a couple of family members and supported by their colleagues, to form Charlotte’s Angels: Melanie Slade, Paul Williams, Callum Luxton, Shannon Thomas, Phil Walmsley, Michelle Shadrick, Andrew Richards and Wendy Richards have set themselves the challenge of conquering their fear of heights, sky diving either 7,000 or 15,000 feet, in order to raise money to support Charlotte in any way she needs; be it for any equipment that may make her life as easy or comfortable as possible or a family holiday to help Charlotte and her family through this difficult time and to make treasured memories to last forever.

“Those jumping have funded their own sky dive, booked for Friday March 28 at The Airfield, Dunkeswell, Honiton, aided by their colleagues to “man the fort” to allow them time off from work and to support them. We hope you will help them to raise as much money as possible for Charlotte and her family. Any donation big or small would be very much appreciated.”

The fundraiser can be found at ‘Gofundme’ under the link www.gofundme.com/f/sky-diving-to-raise-money-to-support-charlotte.