A MIDDLEWICH teaching assistant is hurling herself from a plane at 10,000 feet in honour of her 'inspirational' pal. 

Michelle Furse’s close friend, Nicky Parsons, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s three years ago, and the intrepid duo were planning a double skydive together on Saturday, May 11, in Shropshire, to raise money for Parkinson’s UK.

Sadly, it turns out Nicky can’t get a medical sign-off to do the jump herself, but Michelle says she’s not backing out. 

Michelle and Nicky both work as teaching assistant at Cledford Primary School in Middlewich, and became friends in 2020 after teaming up to support vulnerable children who were in school during lockdown. 

Northwich Guardian: Nicky Parsons was disappointed to miss the skydive, by friend Michelle is going ahead with it all the sameNicky Parsons was disappointed to miss the skydive, by friend Michelle is going ahead with it all the same (Image: Nicky Parsons)

Mum-of-three Michelle is disappointed Nicky can’t join her, but as so many people have already donated via her JustGiving page, she says ‘there’s no turning back now’.

The 56-year-old added: “Nicky is the most incredibly optimistic and inspirational person I’ve met.

“Since she was diagnosed, she’s brought everything positive out of it she can.

Northwich Guardian: Michelle seem to be fond of taking to the skies however she canMichelle seem to be fond of taking to the skies however she can (Image: Michelle Furse)

“She sees opportunities everywhere, and embraces them all. She’s just incredible.

“We were really disappointed when we realised we couldn’t do it together. It’s an experience we really wanted to share.  

“I felt honoured she’d asked me to join her, and I agreed to it straight away. She has a fear of heights, so it would have been a real step out of her comfort zone.

Northwich Guardian: Michelle is no stranger to adventurous activities, it seemsMichelle is no stranger to adventurous activities, it seems (Image: Michelle Furse)

“I’m actually looking forward to it. I’m happy to put my trust in the professionals.”

Sandbach resident Michelle is something of an adventurer, having done a skydive and a wing walk in the past.

She says the sponsorship support she’s received so far has been ‘incredible’, adding: “People have been so generous. It makes you realise how many families Parkinson’s has touched.

“Sponsors have written in their comments on my fundraising page about their experience with loved ones who have Parkinson's.

“So many people know now, so there's absolutely no turning back."