A 16-year-old will face his fears as he prepares to take on a skydiving challenge for charity.

George Cornell, of Lea Valley High School, in Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, has raised over £200 for Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice in Barnet as he readies himself for the jump next Wednesday at Chatteris Airfield, in Cambridgeshire.

The pupil said: “I chose to raise money for The Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice because they cared for the sister of one of my friends at scouts, she developed Batten disease when she was four and sadly passed away last year. The Noah’s Ark Hospice helped her and her family during this very sad time.”

The teenager has raised money by organising cake sales and a car wash with his family and friends and hopes to raise more money for the cause.

15 young people from across London and Essex will jump to mark the 15th anniversary of youth charity the Jack Petchey Foundation.

Mr Petchey said: “Congratulations to the young people on being selected for the sky dive. Each of them should be extremely proud of their fundraising efforts and I hope they enjoy the day.

“Through our various programmes and award schemes, the foundation gives young people opportunities and helps them believe that whatever their background, they can achieve.”