An aunt is set to face her crippling fear of heights by skydiving to change her nephew's life in a bid to stop him from self-harming.

Ivy Clarke, 29, said that she is scared to "get even on a ladder", but she will overcome her anxieties to help non-verbal Freddie, five, to buy an augmentative and alternative communication device.

Freddie was diagnosed with severe autism and global development delay just before his third birthday, but has since had further diagnosis including chronic insomnia and sensory processing difficulties.

Freddie, as his life could be changed with an AAC device.Freddie, as his life could be changed with an AAC device. (Image: Ivy Clarke) Ivy says that the device would be "lifechanging" for the five-year-old, who gets so frustrated at not being able to communicate that he "beats his head off the walls" and punches himself.

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"He’s frustrated and he deserves to have a voice," Ivy said.

"The device could help him throughout the whole of his life. People who have bought the device, their children didn't speak for years and the device helped them to talk.

"It would change his life, and his mum's, and his brother's, everyone's life."

The device has been recommended by Freddie's school, and it can range from simple picture boards to sophisticated electronic devices that speak words or phrases selected by the person using it.

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Heights are one of Ivy's biggest fears, but she said she has "always wanted" to overcome it and will do it in honour of Freddie.

"It’s a good way to raise the money and people can come and see.

Ivy and Freddie walking together.Ivy and Freddie walking together. (Image: Ivy Clarke) "Half of the stuff he's been diagnosed with, I didn't even know it existed.

"There's no better way to do it whilst also raising money for something so close to my heart."

The dive is set to be videoed and livestreamed, as Ivy said she is sure donors will want to see her "be sick with fear" beforehand.

£2,330 has been raised so far, with the campaign having a target of £5,000.

The skydive will take place at 7:15am on September 27 at Old Sarum Airfield in Salisbury.