From Machu Picchu to new charity heights

Joanne led the way for Team SiMBA, raising money for the charity of the same name, which provides memory boxes for parents who lose children at birth.

Joanne trekked Machu Picchu in Peru last autumn, and all that walking paid off with the group raising £15,376 in 2014 — but she hasn’t had enough just yet.

She told The Extra: “I was going to have a rest this year, but as it’s the 10th anniversary of SiMBA this October, I wanted to do something — something that didn’t involve any more walking or trekking.”

Instead, the fundraiser and a small team of supporters are skydiving for SiMBA - with more than £2,283 already in the collection bucket.

The big event takes place on November 15 and, with sponsors including Whisky Shop Dufftown, Amazon and Barclays Bank, Joanne has already smashed her £2,000 target.

A first timer, she’s “currently terrified” — but there’s plenty of support from daughter Shauna, who helped mum out last year by going for a charity hair chop.

Joanne added: “Sadly, Shauna’s still too young to join me for this one, although I think she’s looking forward to watching me freefall!”

Team SiMBA are still looking for cash before they take the plunge — visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/TeamSiMBA to sponsor the group, or to follow their progress.