AMATEUR daredevils are set to take to the skies for a Stourbridge hospice later this month.

A total of 22 supporters of Mary Stevens Hospice have signed up to jump out of a plane to raise funds and awareness of the care provided by the Hagley Road charity.

Originally, the charity only intended to organise one group skydive but the immediate demand for places meant hospice bosses were able to put on a second jump later in the month.

The first of the dives takes place at Hinton Airfield on Saturday September 8, with 14 brave jumpers travelling down to Northamptonshire to take on the popular challenge.

The remaining eight will travel to Hinton on Sunday September 30 to make the jump.

Hospice skydiver Jemma Mondon said: “There have been days since I signed up where I've been brimming with excitement, and days where I've woken up terrified about what I've actually put myself up for.

"However, I know it's going to be the most incredible experience and to tick it off my bucket list while making care possible for families who need the hospice is just the most wonderful thing I could do with my weekend and I really can't wait to do it now.

"Although I may need someone to push me once I'm up there though as I'm actually quite afraid of heights."

Ruth Longville, event organiser - Mary Stevens Hospice Group, said: “We know many of our supporters would absolutely love the opportunity to skydive and we are in a fantastic position in that we can organise an event like that for our supporters.

"To see the demand we had was just overwhelming and we could not be more excited to head down to Hinton this weekend and get the first team up in that plane.

"It's going to be a day none of us will ever forget, which will make our care possible for families in their hour of need.”

Skydives are available throughout the year through the hospice. Anyone wishing to find can go to www.marystevenshospice.co.uk or email ruth.longville@mshfundraising.co.uk.