Three therapists from Arthur Rank Hospice’s clinical team, including a Haddenham woman, will join a fundraising colleague and five other hospice supporters at the charity’s ‘Sky’s the Limit Dive Day’ next month.

Ely Standard: Isobel Curtis-Smith, Mike Hitchcock, Amy Bidwell and Catriona Gregory.Isobel Curtis-Smith, Mike Hitchcock, Amy Bidwell and Catriona Gregory. (Image: Archant)

The team of nine will skydive from 13,000ft in a bid to conquer their fears whilst raising hundreds of pounds on Saturday September 3.

Occupational therapists Jill Fairchild, of Haddenham, Catriona Gregory, of Haverhill, Isobel Curtis-Smith, of Great Shelford, and community fundraiser Amy Bidwell, of Waterbeach, will take to the skies with UK Parachuting for the tandem skydive over Sibson Airfield in Wansford, Peterborough.

They will free fall 5000 feet for around 40 seconds, at speeds of up to 120mph before the parachute is deployed and they glide back down to earth for another six minutes.

They will be joined by five other adrenaline seekers including Chloe Sutton, Beth Bambridge, Emma Downes, Steve Mines and Luke Upshall.

Therapist Catriona Gregory said: “My colleagues Isobel and Jill had already signed up and encouraged me to join them and make it a team effort.

“Although I’m fairly new to the charity – having only joined the team in March - I’ve seen how much of an impact fundraising has on the services and would like to make my contribution.

“I know what I’m letting myself in for because I did one many years ago but I’m still scared of stepping out over the edge of the plane.”

The nine skydivers are expected to raise more than £1,600 thanks to donations from friends and family, as well as by hosting their own community fundraising events.

To find out more visit www.arhc.org.uk/jump.asp