BRAVE Brentwood residents plummeted from an aeroplane as part of a skydive to raise funds for Saint Francis Hopsice.

The daring Hospice supporters took part in the adrenaline-fuelled tandem skydive in Kent on Sunday 7th September and it is hoped they have raised £9,000.

Luke Fenton, from Brentwood, whose grandmother and granddad both received care from Saint Francis Hospice, was one 14 who took part in the 12,000 foot-high jump. 

He said: "I've always wanted to do a skydive and it was the best adrenaline rush I've ever experienced.

"I'm pleased to have raised around £900 for Saint Francis Hospice, which looked after my grandparents so well. All my family are grateful for what the hospice did so that’s why I decided to do the skydive."

Tracy Hinton, from Doddinghurst, who co-owns Bits & Bytes computer shop, hopes to have raised £500 by doing her first tandem skydive. She said: "It was a fantastic experience. We all know someone who has been helped by Saint Francis Hospice one way or another."

A team of six family and friends of Lisa Farthing, from Doddinghurst, who received hospice care before she sadly died in February 2012 took part in the skydive. Cousin Jennifer Tinslay, from Hornchurch, said: "It was an amazing experience. Saint Francis Hospice looked after Lisa when she needed them, as they have and will, continue to help many more people."

Saint Francis Hospice will have skydives next year and staff are encouraging anyone interested in taking part to get in touch.

To find out about this and other events please visit www.sfh.org.uk email fundraising@sfh.org.uk or call 01708 771427. Skydive participants are asked to raise £395, which includes the cost of the jump.