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A fear of heights did not stop two hospice supporters skydiving to raise money for the charity.

Brave Tony Murphy and Laura Joyce, who work at BMW Specialist Cars Tring, have supported Berkhamsted's Hospice of St Francis for the last six months and decided to put their fear of heights to the back of their minds by doing a sponsored freefall tandem skydive last Saturday (July 18).

The challenge was set as part of the hospice's 30th birthday celebrations.

It was first time both had attempted an adrenaline-filled challenge and the pair were one of only three people who could actually do the jump on the day out of 30.

The jump had to be cancelled due to poor weather but a break in the cloud provided the ideal opportunity for the dynamic duo to take a leap.
Also able to jump was Martin Ritter, whose mother died at the hospice and whose wife Melanie works in fundraising.

Ms Joyce, 27, from Stevenage, said: "This is the first time I have done a skydive- I was terrified and then on such a high.

"I was overwhelmed with the warmth, energy and level of excellence contributed by everyone at the hospice and am delighted to be a proud supporter of this great event. I would urge everyone to get involved in the hospice fundraising events and take part or make a donation to help people across the county get the care they deserve."

Mr Murphy added: "We are proud to support the hospice for their 30th birthday and for Walk With the Stars."

Pippa Brush, community fundraiser for the hospice said: "We're doing a series of events to celebrate our birthday this year and the skydive was a great challenge for people to do even though the weather was bad. People have re-booked though which is great."

Over the next few weeks the people who were unable to do the jump will be taking to the skies to raise money for the charity.