A GROUP of 31 brave volunteers took to the skies for Hope Support Services’ annual 10,000ft tandem skydive.

Jump for Hope raises funds to support young people when a close family member is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.

Among the novice skydivers this year was Polly Brown who regularly volunteers for Hope and first took on Jump for Hope in 2012.

She said: “During my first jump a couple of years ago I was too petrified to open my eyes, but this time I was determined to take in every moment.”

Hope has recently extended its service to include youth sessions in Hereford and Kington and this year’s participants came from right across the county to join the fundraising effort.

Emily Flood said: “I was absolutely petrified, but I wanted to support Hope in Kington.”

Polly is keen to encourage others to cross a skydive off their bucket list by signing up for Jump for Hope 2015.

“I absolutely loved my skydive and would definitely recommend it to anybody, even if you think you'd be too scared,” she continued.

“It was a once (or twice!) in a lifetime experience and given the opportunity I'd be throwing myself out of planes much more often, especially as we raised lots of money for a fantastic cause.”

Together, the skydivers have so far raised a fantastic £8,500 to help young people turn a difficult situation into a positive future.

Sue Trevethan, Hope’s chief executive and founder, said “Thank you to everyone who was mad enough to take part this year. It’s thanks to you that we can continue offering support to the young people who really need us.”

If you are brave enough to take on next year’s 10,000ft skydive challenge on April 8 2015, please email lorna.russell@hopesupportservices.org.uk for more information.

See more pictures and find out all about Hope Support Services at www.hopesupportservices.org.uk, www.facebook.com/Hope_Support or www.twitter.com/HopeSupport.