Jumping for diabetes

CARMEL Luetchford is still coming back down to earth.

Rosewood woman Carmel Luetchford takes part in the Jump to Cure Diabetes after she and Jane Bell raised more than $7000. Picture: Contributed

CARMEL Luetchford is still coming back down to earth.

The Rosewood resident took part in the Jump to Cure Diabetes after raising more than $7000 in a campaign to help the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

To take part in the jump Mrs Luetchford and fellow fundraiser Jane Bell had to collect at least $1000 for the cause.

It was a total they breached early in their fundraising efforts.

"We got to $1000 quite easily and then just kept on going," Mrs Luetchford said.

"The generosity from people was just astounding. From individuals, private business houses and even the councillors.

"We had $1100 donated from individual councillors."

While Mrs Bell decided against taking part in the jump, Mrs Luetchford was happy to take part alone.

"It was wonderful. Absolutely thrilling," she said. "Well worth all the efforts we put in. I'd definitely consider doing it again."

Mrs Luetchford made the leap from the skies above Coolum on the Sunshine Coast.

"The day was just perfect for it, a beautiful blue sky, and the view over Coolum beach was fantastic.

"I think I'm still coming down to earth."

The couple's fundraising efforts made up a large portion of the money raised across Queensland in the Jump to Cure Diabetes.

Statewide the event raised more than $30,000, with the two Rosewood locals' contribution a big part of that.

Mrs Luetchford said while she was looking forward to taking part in future fundraisers, it could be hard to top sky diving.

"It's always been on the wish list, so I'm glad I've done it now. I'm not sure I'll be able to find something as exciting as this, and I definitely won't be doing bungee jumping."

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation supports research into type one diabetes. It was established in the USA in 1970 and has been operating in Australia since 1982.

Originally published as Jumping for diabetes