The fundraising parachute jump was in aid of Sam's namesake charity 'Struggle Against Muscular Dystrophy' launched by the Hillsborough lad's family after it was discovered their son suffered from the condition.

And as the jumpers plummeted, the cash total soared, with the final total expected to to be as much as £9,000.

Organised by Lisburn woman Gayle Curry, in conjunction with Moonjumpers, the event saw the participants arrive at the Wild Geese Parachute Centre in Garvagh for an early morning briefing and paperwork ahead of a dry run and a photocall for 25 of the fubdraisers as the remaining three were getting airborne.

Before long it was Tracy's turn.

"It takes almost 20 minutes," she said, "to fly to the height of 13,500 fee t- as far as human beings can go without needing oxygen, 2.5 miles up - and I can tell you that it looks a lot different when you are looking out of the airplane window in the knowledge that in a few minutes you are going to jump out of the hatch."

There followed for Tracy a 45-second, 120mph descent before the chute was deployed. She said, "I have never at one time been so terrified, so excited and so utterly exhilarated."

Part of her glad, she said, to be back on terra firma, after floating to Earth, Tracy rushed to greet her children.

"I ran to kiss my two boys, who were more than a little bewildered by the events of the morning," she said.

With some among the party having caught the parachuting bug, Tracy pointed out that jumps continue throughout tge summer and autumn.

"Anyone interested in taking part (or jumping for a second time) can contact us through info@pleasefixsam.com or telephone 9268 0078."