A BRAVE autism pioneer has taken on the ultimate challenge, sky-diving from a plane to raise money for the charity that has transformed her life.

Megan Hughes, 24, from Goostrey has become heavily involved with nationwide charity, Ambitious about Autism after she featured in their film, which aims to dispel the myths surrounding the condition.

Since joining up with the charity earlier this year, she has been asked to assume the role of an online facilitator, leading monthly chats for others living with autism.

Megan was also invited to the charity’s headquarters in London to meet a princess from Saudi Arabia who was looking for involvement with an autism charity.

Over the bank holiday weekend, Megan travelled to Whitchurch to take part in a charity sky-dive from 10,000ft to raise money and awareness for the charity which changed her life.

She said: “Ambitious about Autism has done so much for me, and this is my way of giving something back.

“Everyone there is so nice and welcoming, at other places I have visited- you don’t always get that. Through all this my confidence and self esteem has grown so much!

“So I decided to fundraise for them and push my limits more than ever by doing a skydive!

“I really enjoyed it. I was surprised how calm I was not at all anxious I wasn't a fan of the aeroplane, but I distracted myself by looking out of the window.

“The free fall was a bit scary but over fast. It was fascinating looking at the world from a new angle - I could see it raining a bit further away.

“Then the ground appeared scary fast! I was well trained in the briefing before and lots of safety checks were made.”

Megan’s aim is to make people with autism aware of the charity, which provides help to children and young people living with autism.

“There isn’t much support for autism after high school,” she said. “There was a police officer who didn’t get his diagnosis until he started work!

“At Ambitious about Autism, people can come and ask questions about anything they want, if they have any problems at home or with employment- they are there.”

To donate to Megan’s skydive, visit www.justgiving.com/Megan-Hughes11