A Liverpool teenager jumped 15,000 feet in a charity skydive to help raise money for a maternity and children's hospital in Yemen.
Josie Theobald was "nervous" before taking on the skydive in Perth, Australia, but said she was determined to find a way to support the Al-Sabeen hospital.
The charity, Habibti, aims to raise £40,000 to support Yemeni health workers providing vital life saving services for vulnerable babies and children. UNICEF has described the ongoing war in Yemen as one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world.
READ MORE: Parents heartbroken as 'dream' baby who 'brought so much joy' dies
The war has left more than 23 million people in need of assistance, including almost 13 million children. In previous years Habibti has raised £100,000 and currently sends £2,000 a month.
Josie, 18, said her initial jump was set for January 10, but this was postponed due to high wind. Josie told the ECHO: "I was a bit nervous about it being rescheduled for Friday 13, but luckily I'm not too superstitious.
"In Liverpool I was a Habibti volunteer. I had my own business, Sheabliss, selling vegan organic beauty products with 50% of the profits going to the Yemeni hospital.
“In Australia I wanted to find a way to still support the hospital. A skydive is on my bucket list so I thought it would be good to get it sponsored and try and raise some money".
Josie was nervous, excited and felt a rush of adrenaline before her jump and said: "When in freefall it was amazing but a bit hard to breathe.
"I was relieved when the main parachute opened and I could enjoy the view a bit more. Western Australia is really beautiful. I feel relieved and proud of myself that I’ve done it.
“I might do it again. The adrenaline was amazing but I’m not in any rush to".
Joise added: "I’m impressed with the health workers at Al-Sabeen hospital who have kept going for so long in the hardest of circumstances; through war, disease, poverty and hunger. They are truly heroic."
A lead paediatrician at Al-Sabeen, Najla Al-Sonboli studied for her Masters and PhD at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) and had joint research projects with Josie's mum Sally Theobald. When war broke out research money was hard to get and initially staff of LSTM began a solidarity funding model for this.
This gained momentum and when Sally met Saba Ahmed and O'brien sisters; Louise, Kate and Christina, the charity Habibti (which means My Love) formed in 2017. They also fundraise for specific items and last year they were able to buy a lifesaving ventilator the hospital desperately needed.
Josie's mum Sally said before the jump: "I will be very pleased when she is back safely on land. It would be wonderful if people could be encouraged to donate."
Habibti helps fund and treat children affected by war and treat severe and acute malnutrition, cholera, diphtheria, malaria, dengue and COVID-19. They're concerned government aid was cut in 2021 that goes towards overseas development and has a negative impact on the ground in Yemen and many other countries.
As hunger intensifies the need is greater than ever. 95% of patients are desperate and unable to pay for medicines.
Josie has lived in Australia for five months and is keen to keep her support for the hospital ongoing. She added: "I’m proud of Habibti and all the solidarity fundraising and awareness raising they do. Even small amounts of money go a long way to having an impact on the ground."
They also hold pop up events with the Gathering for Peace event at the Unitarian Church, 57 Ullet Road, Liverpool 17, Sunday, January 29 from 5 - 7pm.
For donations Just Giving page for information visit Habibti Liverpool HERE and follow on Instagram @habibti_liverpool
For more celeb news, videos and pictures follow our designated Facebook page HERE
READ NEXT
When will teachers across Merseyside go on strike? Full list of dates
Live updates as ice causes travel disruption across Merseyside
Woman in serious condition after 'machete' attack as man remains in custody
Chinese New Year 2023 horoscopes reveal what’s in store for your zodiac sign this year
Stacey Solomon in tears as son Rex undergoes huge transformation
