Hayley Wilkins closed her eyes and let out an almighty shriek as she plummeted from an aircraft.

The deputy manager took to the skies for a parachute jump with fellow staff, residents and supporters of the home where she works in a bid to raise thousands of pounds towards the cost of a special room at Little Smugglers, a residential home which helps adults with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour.

The aim is to renovate an unused classroom and create a sensory room, cinema and day centre.

Ms Wilkins was joined by team leader Harry Smith, Little Smugglers resident Graham Carter, who has autism, and Lydia Barnard, a relative of another resident for the skydive. Supporters of the home, based in Crawley Down, also came along to cheer the fundraisers.

The jump, which took place in Kent, was held on National Autism Awareness Day. Ms Barnard and Mr Smith did the first dive and were followed by Ms Wilkins and Mr Carter.

Ms Wilkins said: “Graham has no fear. I, on the other hand, was shaking like a leaf.

“The skydive was amazing and the best experience. I was so proud of Graham, who also loved every minute of it.

“Graham had a cameraman do the jump with him and film the whole experience.

“This is something he and his mum will treasure for life. Graham was fantastic, telling his cameraman all about why he was jumping and raising awareness, as well as his huge efforts in helping us raise money for our sensory room.”

Money from the jump will go towards a sensory room, which will provide an oasis of relaxation. The rooms are particularly useful for adults with sight or hearing problems or for adults with varying degrees of attention deficiency disorders.

The team has a fundraising target of £20,000 and a series of events have already been held with support and donations from friends and businesses, including Consensus Support Services, Assassins Gym, UK Power Networks and Sharpthorne Social Club.

To make a donation, visit the website gofundme.com/q5aa9dw.