A doctor from St Helier is preparing to skydive from a height of 10,000 feet to raise funds for a hospital in Guatemala.

Dr Mubarika Sami, who works as an ophthalmologist in the eye unit, will give up two weeks annual leave, travelling to Nasir Hospital to care for patients with diabetic eye disease and educate people on managing their condition.

Every penny raised by her skydive on Sunday will be put towards ensuring patients receive the best treatment possible.

Dr Sami said: “Diabetic eye disease – officially known as diabetic retinopathy, has doubled in the past 20 years in the indigenous population of Guatemala and is the leading cause of blindness in people of working age.

"Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes, caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the back of the eye. It can cause blindness if left undiagnosed and untreated, but with regular screening and controlling blood sugar levels, people can minimise the risk.

“I’ll be going with a small team for a two week trip to screen patients and refer them for treatment if needed. We will take our own retinal cameras to photograph and screen patients effectively, and so we’re planning to see as many patients as possible.

“Blindness can be a terrifying thing, and so it’s vital that we can spread the good work we do at Epsom and St Helier in order to help others.

“Please donate so we can make a difference in protecting vision in vulnerable people who would otherwise not be able to afford treatment we take for granted in the NHS.”

To sponsor Dr Sami, please visit her Just Giving Page at:

www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mubarika-sami?utm_term=V7A8ZRY3P.