A 16-YEAR-OLD girl was among a group of brave volunteers who took to the skies for Hope Support Services' annual 10,000ft tandem skydive.

Dene Magna student, Molly Verry joined 30 other novice skydivers and raised more than £1,200.

She said: "I decided to do this 'brave' act in memory of my Auntie Tina who lost her battle against one of the most horrible things on this earth – cancer. I wanted to do this for her to prove to myself and others that her courage still lives on."

Jump for Hope raises funds to support young people when a close family member is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.

Molly added: "I also want to help people my age going through the same thing and make sure they get the help they need when someone they love is going through a life-threatening illness, and there's nothing they can do but watch."

Hope has recently extended into Gloucestershire and this year's participants came from right across the county to join the fundraising effort.

Jake Marks, from Hartpury, raised over £500 and said: "It was the most exhilarating and amazing experience of my life."

Together, the skydivers have so far raised £8,500 to help young people turn a difficult situation into a positive future.

Sue Trevethan, Hope's CEO and founder, said: "Thank you to everyone who was mad enough to take part this year! It's thanks to you that we can continue offering support to the young people who really need us."

If you are brave enough to take on next year's 10,000ft skydive challenge April 8, email lorna.russell@hopesupportservices. org.uk for more information.