Two care workers at Edensor Care Centre in Clacton have become the 12th and 13th people to join the Diagrama Charity Skydive 2026 challenge.
Care assistant Samyuktha, known as Sam, and registered nurse Kaushila, who also goes by Kash, are members of Diagrama Foundation's Essex dementia care centre team and the newest people to take on the challenge.
Sam and Kash are among 13 people set to take part in the Diagrama Charity Skydive 2026, which will take place on Friday, September 18, at Headcorn Aerodrome in Kent. It aims to raise £25,000 for the Diagrama Foundation, a charity supporting vulnerable children and adults.
Sam, a care assistant for four years who began working at Edensor while completeing her master's in management before joining the care team full-time, has a long-standing fear of heights.
She sees the skydive as a way to conquer her fears while supporting the poeple she cares for. She said: "I came to the UK to pursue my master’s degree. Later, I chose to work in care because I wanted to make a positive difference in someone’s life. Caring for people gives me a sense of personal satisfaction and makes me feel that my work has meaning.
"I want to try skydiving because I am very scared of heights. I want to overcome this fear, step out of my comfort zone, and challenge myself to do something I have never done before."
Kash, who has worked at Edensor for two years, said that her profession has become more meaningful to her since starting nursing. She said: "Beyond providing nursing care, I truly value being part of Edensor resident's everyday lives; listening to their inspiring stories, sharing moments of joy and helping to make their lives a little easier. Being able to support others and bring a smile to their faces is one of the most rewarding parts of my work."
Originally from Nepal, Kash added that Edensor has given her a strong sense of belonging while she is a long way from home, and it now feels like a second home.
Kash has always been interested in skydiving, and feels like the Diagrama Charity Skydive 2026 is a perfect opportunity. She said: "Skydiving, along with bungee jumping, has always been something I have wanted to experience, but I never had the courage to face the fear. This time, I am stepping outside my comfort zone and challenging myself to take the leap with confidence.
"I am proud to take this leap, not only to overcome my own fear, but also to support a cause that means so much to me."
Sam and Kash join 11 other staff members and people supported by the charity who are jumping to support happier, fuller and more inclusive lives for vulnerable adults and children.
The skydive challenge was inspired by Duckyls Farm Cottage resident Graham. The Cottage is one of Diagrama Foundation’s residential services for adults with learning disabilities.
Graham suggested the skydive as a way to give back to the charity which has made a difference in his life and to help create new opportunities for others. It snowballed quickly to include people connected to Diagrama's not-for-profit Fostering and Adoption service and Cabrini Care Home as well.
Funds raised from the skydive will support a range of projects for vulnerable children and adults, including accessible learning spaces, sensory and wellbeing resources, enrichment activities, therapeutic support, and outdoor learning opportunities.
David McGuire, chief executive of Diagrama Foundation, said: "It is fantastic to see the skydive team continue to grow, and we are particularly delighted that Sam and Kaushila from Edensor have decided to take part.
"Their reasons to join the challenge may be very different, but what they have in common is their desire to give something back to the people they care for every day. This skydive is about much more than jumping out of an aeroplane. It is about people challenging themselves to create opportunities for others. We are incredibly proud of everyone taking part and grateful to everyone who supports them."
The charity is encouraging donations and support from individuals, businesses and community groups. To support Sam, Kaushila, and the rest of the Diagrama Charity Skydive 2026 team, visit justgiving.com/campaign/diagramacharityskydive.
Photo: Graham Baker Photography