Destination marketing company Walking Distance, based in the city centre has been supporting staff on a number of recent personal challenges.

Marketing Director Jo Cooper faced the challenge of a lifetime by completing a tandem skydive in aid of a new charity, aiming to build self reliance in some of the poorest communities in South Africa.

As a trustee of the Zimele UK, providing marketing support, Jo overcame her fear of heights by jumping from a plane at 13,000ft and free falling for 45 seconds at 125 mph.

"The most nail-biting time was sitting next to the door as the small plane climbed higher and higher’ Says Jo, “ When the doors opened, I thought that the only way to get out of the situation is to jump. So I did, and it was the most exhilarating experience of my life and once I got to the ground I wanted to do it again.”

Raising over £650 for Zimele UK, the sponsorship money is helping to get the charity to become registered with money supporting projects such as teaching and small business skills to communities who are struggling to survive due to poverty and HIV/AIDS pandemic. Jo’s fundraising page is www.justgiving.com/Jo-Cooper

Keeping to the ground, Business Development Executive, Martina Garnham completed her personal best in the New Forest Half Marthon with a time of 1 hour 58.

Having trained throughout the summer months, Martina is set to run the London Marathon in aid of Cancer Research and will continue training for the next challenge.

Managing Director, Martin Smith says “"These are both amazing achievements, and I'm proud to have such committed and outward-looking people in the team. Supporting local initiatives and encouraging personal challenge is a key part of the Walking Distance ethic. Results like this are what that's all about”