JUMPING out of a plane at 15,000ft was all in a day’s work for two colleagues determined to provide treats for Davenham residents.

Melissa Coombs and Sarah Elliwell did a skydive to raise money for The Barns, the dementia unit at Davenham Hall, in London Road.

The pair work at The Barns and wanted to collect funds for musical events for the residents.

Melissa said: “It was good fun, really exciting, and for a good cause.

“We know how much the residents love music and we were thinking about what we could do to raise money for extra activities in the garden.

“We have a lovely garden here and it would be nice for it to be used a bit more.

“Last year we had a brass band and they really enjoyed it.

“That’s why we decided to do it.

“It’s something we’ve never done before – it tests your nerves and will power.

“We were both nervous but we couldn’t let The Barns down.”

The pair, who have raised £900 so far, did their sky dive in Lancashire.

Sarah said: “I was scared it was going to feel like you’re falling but the only thing is that it’s really hard to breathe.

“When you’re free falling you just focus on your breathing and nothing else but when the parachute kicks in and you’re floating that’s nicer and you can look at the views.”

Melissa and Sarah follow a number of fundraisers for The Barns this year.

Jo Hatton, Sandra O’Brien and Gosia Krzezkowska joined Sarah in an assault course at Petty Pool, which raised £600, and Helen France held a 12-hour sponsored silence on July 5.

To donate to The Barns ring 01606 354320.

• The Barns is holding a summer garden party on August 9. There will be entertainment from singer Sandra Currie and a brass band and refreshments. The party will take place from 2pm to 4pm and admission is free.