TWO women from Chard and Ilminster have taken to the skies to raise money for St Margaret’s Hospice by doing a charity skydive.

After a seven-hour wait due to bad weather, Natalie Bidgood and Ellie Doble jumped from 15,000ft to raise more than £4,400 for the hospice.

Natalie was inspired to take on the challenge after St Margaret’s provided end of life care for her dad, David.

Natalie said: “Last year I sadly lost my dad, and to mark his one year of passing I wanted to do something special and crazy to raise some cash and give something back to St Margaret’s Hospice.

“The experience was breathtaking but also very emotional, to believe I actually did it after a seven hour wait and to mark a very special day so close to my heart.

“Dad had a passion for cycling and was a member of the Chard Wheelers for many years, a very fit and active man. A skydive was the only option as I know he would have thought I was crazy.

“Sadly he was diagnosed in October 2015 with non-hodgkin lymphoma. Dad deteriorated quickly and just 10 months after his diagnosis he was moved into St Margrets Hospice in Taunton.

“The staff there were incredible from the moment we arrived; they kept us informed and made dad feel at home. After six days, dad passed away age 61 with his loved ones around him.”

Ellie was also inspired to complete the daring feat after St Margaret’s Hospice helped her aunt, Hazel Kerrison.

Ellie said: “The skydive was amazing and nerve wracking, but the best experience.

“Auntie Hazel lived in Ilminster for 15 years. She led a very busy and active life but sadly became terminally ill last September 2016 with pancreatic cancer and died early in January this year in Yeovil St Margaret’s Hospice.

“Auntie Hazel would have been blown away with the support and total amount raised for charity.”

Natalie added: “Ellie also raised a massive £463 at Ilminster Tesco doing a cake sale and raffle with her friends and family, so thanks to everyone that purchased cakes and bought raffle tickets.

She wants to thank local businesses Pure Beauty, Phoenix Fitness, Sarah Hodge, Razooks, G-fit fitness and massage for raffle donations.

She added: “Together we have both raised £4,427.84.”