AN ANIMAL lover from Evesham is preparing to conquer her fear of heights next month to make a difference for animals.
Aleksandra Strojeva, aged 18 is preparing to do a skydive for Replacing Animal Research, a charity dedicated to ending the use of animals in scientific experiments on August 14.
The former Prince Henry’s sixth former who is currently awaiting her A Level results in law, psychology, and computer science is determined to put terror aside to end unnecessary suffering.
“The scale of animal suffering is overwhelming,” Aleksandra said.
“I’m terrified of heights, but I had to do something. Every leap, every step, is about giving animals a voice.”
According to the charity, every year, millions of animals are bred, captured, or genetically altered for research.
In Britain alone, 2.64 million scientific procedures were carried out in 2024 – each one representing a life confined to a laboratory, often ending in death or, in some cases, transfer to another research facility or a slaughterhouse.
Mice, rats, birds, and fish make up 95 per cent of these procedures, but even cats, dogs, horses, and primates are not spared.
Replacing Animal Research is at the forefront of driving change, providing more than 60 animal-using institutions with their replacement checklist, as well as training to some of the UK’s top universities.
It has also published guides to help policymakers and scientists adopt non-animal research methods.
Aleksandra has a history of pushing herself for causes she believes in.
In March, she completed the Do It 4 Youth 120 Mile Challenge hosted by the Duke of Edinburgh Award charity, completing the 160 miles by running to raise awareness for youth initiatives.
“This skydive isn’t just a personal challenge,” Aleksandra added. “It’s about showing that one person, one young person, can make a real difference.
“Every donation supports alternatives to animal research and empowers future generations to build a more compassionate world.”
Globally, an estimated 100 to 150million animals are used in scientific research every year.
Visit her JustGiving page here to help Aleksandra raise her target of £450.
