Aleksandra Strojeva, aged 18, is preparing to face her greatest fear - heights - to make a difference for animals. On 14th August (weather dependent), she will complete a skydive in Brackley to raise funds for Replacing Animal Research, a charity dedicated to ending the use of animals in scientific experiments.

Every year, millions of animals are bred, captured, or genetically altered for research. In Great 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% of these procedures, but even cats, dogs, horses, and primates are not spared.

“The scale of animal suffering is overwhelming,” Aleksandra says. “I’m terrified of heights, but I had to do something. Every leap, every step, is about giving animals a voice.”

Aleksandra has a history of pushing herself for causes she believes in. In March 2026, she completed the Do It 4 Youth 120-Mile Challenge (Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Charity), covering 160 miles by running throughout the month to raise awareness for youth initiatives. “I believe young people are the future,” she explains. “By empowering them with exciting opportunities and building concrete pathways for change, we can create a better world - for animals, nature, and humans alike.”

Replacing Animal Research is at the forefront of driving change. They’ve reached over 60 animal-using institutions with their Replacement Checklist, provided training to some of the UK’s top universities, and published guides to help policymakers and scientists adopt non-animal methods. By supporting innovative research, they’re turning the tide toward a world where science no longer requires animal suffering.

Staggering facts underline the urgency: 52% of experimental procedures in 2024 were for basic research - exploring human health issues like cancer, the nervous system, and the immune system - where animal use is not legally required. Globally, an estimated 100 to 150 million animals are used in scientific research every year.

“This skydive isn’t just a personal challenge,” Aleksandra continues. “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.”