Leamington 10-year-old completes aerial charity challenge

A 10-year-old from Leamington has completed her 'aerial challenge' for charity.

Jessie Chard challenged herself to do 500 aerials, which is a cartwheel with no hands, to help raise money for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

She started on May 23 and finished on May 29.

Naomi Chard, Jessie's mum said: "Jessie was eager to learn aerials because she’s a dancer and would love to do them on stage.

"She learnt with some help from her sister and lots of practise. She dances with Jaykays Dance Company and is really missing her normal dance lessons, so this was a new dance / acro challenge for her.

"This is absolutely typical of Jessie. She is hugely empathetic and has a big heart for helping people and animals. She sees a need, and wants to do something about it.

"We are so proud of her."

When asked how she feels about completing the challenge Jessie said: "I feel amazing and a bit tired."

Jessie visited the Guide Dogs Breeding Centre in Leamington a few years ago and wanted to help the charity. She said: "During this virus, less people are thinking about the guide dogs, but they still need the help."

Jessie has now raised more than £240 for the charity.

Her target was set at £240, which is enough to buy 'off to school kits' for two puppies that are in their first stage of training and a training school kit for one of the Guide Dog trainers who teach the puppies how to become guide dogs.

To donate go to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/500aerialsbyjessie