Daredevil Kate Chester is to perform a parachute jump from 12,000 feet for charity.

Kate (23), who grew up in Winchester, is raising money for the Madagascar Foundation. She is joining 19 other jumpers from across the UK, who together have already raised around £5,000.

The jump is at the Redlands Centre, Swindon, on April 27th. "I've always wanted to skydive, but have never got round to it.

"When I heard all I had to do was raise some funds and the rest would be taken care of, I jumped at the chance. People have been so generous in their donations."

Kate attended St Swithun's School and Alton College. She is now based in Petersfield and works part-time for The Madagascar Foundation.

Madagascar, off the coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, is over twice the size of the UK, covering 227,000 sq. miles. Only 10% of the original rainforest remains, in which 80% of the species are unique to the island.

Madagascar is the world's eighth-poorest nation and has suffered recent outbreaks of cholera and bubonic plague. One in ten children dies before the age of five.

The charity hopes to donate a mobile clinic to reach the most inaccessible areas. It would conduct surgery, immunisations and provide education on avoiding diseases.

Chief executive, Simon Blazeby, said: "The people have the potential to use the remaining rainforest for the benefit of themselves and nature.

"They will not be able to prioritise for the environment if their family is dying around them. Something must be done."

* Details on 020 8556 2438, or e-mail skydive@tmf.com.