SEVEN brave hospice supporters took a leap of faith last month to raise charity funds.

The group were all taking part in an organised skydive at an airfield in Northamptonshire, and together raised more than £6,500 to help the hospice care for patients with life-threatening illnesses.

Each supporter plunged 10,000ft out of a plane at 120mph, harnessed to an experienced parachute instructor, before coming to a safe landing in front of friends and family.

Dominique Thompson was joined by sister Katy as they jumped in memory of their father Terry Thompson, from Worcester, who was cared for by St Richard’s Hospice before his death in 2013.

She said: “We had a few months to try and get our heads around the incredible shock that our dad was dying but it didn’t make it any easier when we did lose him. What did make it easier for us all, and most importantly for dad, was St Richard’s Hospice. It was Christmas, a time when hospice staff should have been with their families and yet nothing was too much. They made a tragic situation bearable, giving us time and support when we needed it the most.

"The hospice made my dad comfortable, allowed him to be surrounded by loved ones at all times and protected his dignity and pride. For this we will all be forever thankful. I was very nervous before the skydive but facing my fears was my way of saying thank you and I am so glad I did it.”

The money raised will pay for a patient to receive three days of round the clock nursing care from the hospice’s highly trained Hospice at Home team.

If you are interested in taking part in a skydive in aid of the charity, visit www.strichards.org.uk/events or call 01905 763963.