Times advertising representative Carolyn Rickards is about to conquer her fears and jump out of a plane in memory of colleague Sue Pennington (Penny).

Penny died of cancer in April and Carolyn hopes to raise £1,000 for the St Luke's Hospice charity which looked after Penny throughout her illness.

Carolyn, 64, will embark on her tandem skydive at Dunkerswell Airfield on August 8 from 15,000ft. She will free fall at speeds of up to 120mph for two miles before the parachute is released and then follows a less stressful five-minute ride, taking in the wonderful scenery.

For someone who does not like heights or travelling on planes it's a big challenge for Carolyn, but she is determined to overcome her fears.

'Someone in the office suggested I do it after we heard about another person doing a skydive and I said you must be joking but then I thought. why not?' she said.

'I worked with Penny for over eight years and really miss her. I just wanted to do something.

'She was so settled at the St Luke's Hospice at Turnchapel; they were wonderful to her and there is something really special about the people that work there.

'I think Penny would think I was mad but she would also know that if I said I was going to do something I would not back out.'

Carolyn, whose brother died of cancer at the age of 47, is hoping as many people as possible who knew Penny through her work will sponsor her skydive.

There are sponsor forms in the Tavistock and Okehampton Times offices or donations can be made by ringing Carolyn at the Tavistock Times on 01822 613667.