A Brentwood woman suffering from a brain tumour took to the skies to raise money for the hospice that has helped her.

Mother-of-two, Louise Eames, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2006 after experiencing dizzy spells and being sent for an MRI scan.

She was told it was inoperable as a main artery runs through it so has been referred to St Francis Hospice for care and support.

As part of the adrenaline-fuelled tandem skydive Louise jumped from 12,000 feet at speeds of 120mph.

She said: “It was an amazing experience, out of this world and fabulous.”

She added to the hospice: “Without your special love and care I don’t think I would be here now. My journey has been a challenge, but I am living life to the full and the counsellors, nurses and doctors at the hospice have helped me accept and cope with my illness.”

Also making the jump was Heather Cameron, also from Brentwood, who works in the hospice fundraising team. She said: “It was an amazing experience and I’d do another skydive. Through my work at the hospice I know how important the care and support the nurses, doctors and everyone at the charity gives is to patients and their families during a difficult time in their lives so I was pleased to do my bit to raise funds.”

She was joined by Paul Freeman, from Hornchurch, who supported the event because his dad Arthur Freeman was looked after as an inpatient six years ago before he died; and Steve Collins, from Rainham, who was skydiving for the first time.

Hospice events manager Lauren Josman said: “Thank you to everyone who took part in the skydive. The money you have raised through sponsorship will make a difference to the 700 patients and relatives supported by St Francis Hospice at any one time. I hope others are inspired by you and join our future skydive events or one of our other fundraising challenges.”