IF the idea of plummeting from 15,000ft at speeds in excess of 100 miles an hour makes you queasy, spare a thought for a fundraising leap of faith by a twosome from Chepstow.

Nicole Ball, aged just 16, and Richard Standerwick will be taking the ultimate tandem sky jump from the Dunkeswell Drop Zone near Honiton, Devon, to raise funds for Leonard Cheshire Disability.

The charity jump, the highest allowed in the UK, is part of a long-running effort by the Ball family to raise awareness of the need to support people suffering from eating disorders in South Wales.

Nicole's sister, and Martin's daughter, Kirsty, suffered from anorexia and has lapsed into a coma.

"At the time there were no facilities whatsoever in Wales for people suffering from eating disorder," says Martin. "Kirsty ended up in Northampton."

The Balls' battle to raise awareness of eating disorders has now led to the opening of a Beat (Beating Eating Disorders) helpline and centre in South Wales with support from the Welsh Assembly Government and Big Lottery Fund.

Richard, from Tutshill, and Nicole's jump takes place on March 20 and funds raised will go to the Llanhennock Lodge Cheshire Home. If you'd like to sponsor them get in touch with Leonard Chesh­ire on 08450 552195 or Jeanette Bates on 01452 332969.