‘Star’ with autism set to shine in the sky

Sunday 03 June 2018

A 54-year-old woman with autism is to take on her most daunting challenge to date – a tandem skydive.

Despite having never swum in the sea, Juliet St John Nicolle took part in the Dip at Dawn challenge bark in April, and has also completed the 'L’Etacq and Back' walk.

But, she says because of her condition, her latest challenge, is in a league of its own.

She said: "This will be an immense challenge for me because I have sensory issues around sight, noise, hearing, and touch in an earth world far removed from our own world. I do not like heights and I have never been in a small plane. I will likely feel claustrophobic. I have very large issues with trust and so jumping out with a guy with me attached is one hell of a humdinger thing!”

The jump is going to take place on Sunday 24 June 2018, at 14:00.

Juliet says she’s doing the skydive to raise the profile of the charity Autism Jersey, and to help a friend: "I want to take on this challenge to support Karen Gallichan who is swimming the Channel. She is doing this to set up a bursary for autistic adults like myself to have the opportunity to do things in life which are often taken for granted. I would like to have a special 'wow moment' memory."