Supporters of St Francis Hospice, including snooker player Steve Davis, raised more than �17,000 for St Francis Hospice through a golf day and tandem skydive.

Four brave supporters took part in a skydive on Sunday. Amongst them was Ian Veal, from Harold Hill, who was fundraising for the hospice because his father-in-law Henry Tarbox was cared for as an inpatient before he died in January.

He said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the experience once the nerves settled and I hope to have raised �450 for the hospice, My father-in-law received fantastic care during his last few days and was made comfortable and treated with compassion and the hospice helped take the pressure off my mother-in-law.”

On October 8 golfers, including snooker star Steve Davis and sports promoter Barry Hearn took part in charity event at Abridge Golf and Country Club, raising �15,000.

Hospice fundraiser Lauren Josman said: “Thank you to all the adventurous skydivers and the golfers who were out in the rain, supporting the hospice.

“The money you have raised could pay for 48 patients to attend a day hospice session where they can speak to doctors, counsellors or other patients and access other support.

“We rely on people in our community like you to help us raise the money required to provide our specialist medical care and support to local people affected by life-limiting illness when they need it.”