NATASHA Day from Sticklepath was one of 12 skydivers from Imerys Minerals who took a leap of faith for Children's Hospice South West's Precious Lives appeal.

The 10,000ft skydive was organised by Westley Mortimer, financial controller at Imerys. He managed to convince Natasha and ten other colleagues to join him for the jump at Perranporth Airfield.

Through sponsorship and a donation of £1,200 from Imerys, Natasha and the team raised £4,485 for the appeal. With the addition of gift aid, the total will rise to £6,685.

Mr Mortimer said: 'Christine Wood and all the other staff from the Cornwall Parachute Club were brilliant, and so was Bernadette from Children's Hospice South West.

'Everyone had a fantastic time and there was great team spirit with everyone cheering each other on.

'Everyone loved doing the skydive, but the biggest sense of achievement is the funds raised for Precious Lives — over 1% of the remaining funds needed for completion of the hospice Little Harbour.'

The jump was organised through Cornwall Parachute Club, with help from Children's Hospice South West.

The team were joined on the day by Bernadette Thoreau, corporate partnerships fundraiser at CHSW. She said: 'Congratulations to the brave individuals who took part in the skydive.

'It was a fantastic day, and all the money they have raised will certainly help us to get one step closer to achieving the dream of a children's hospice in the county.'

For more information about Children's Hospice South West, and how to get involved in a skydive for the charity call Bernadette on 01872 261166.