FRIENDS Rachael Bell and Nicola Chapman are preparing to jump out of an aeroplane to raise money for a charity close to both their hearts.

After taking part in an indoor skydiving experience for a treat, it sparked off a fundraising idea and next month, the friends, who met while at Craven College and who are both 23, will take the plunge to raise money for the Yorkshire Brain Tumour Charity.

Rachael, who lives near Skipton, was diagnosed with a brain tumour when she was just seven years old. She underwent several surgeries, and had both radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Now, and with still some tumour left, she says it has not stopped her completing her education and starting work.

She said: "I am still monitored by the medical profession but I don’t let that get in the way of living my life to the full. After finishing school at Upper Wharfedale School, I went onto Craven College to study and that’s where I met Nicola."

Nicola, who lives near Settle, also suffered the loss of a grandmother to a brain tumour.

Rachael said: "Nicola has also had family experience of brain tumours; her grandmother Jean Perfect, passed away aged 67 after an 18 month fight with the illness. Sadly Nicola was just 14 weeks old at the time and so was robbed of getting to know her grandmother."

For Nicola's 21st birthday, Rachael treated her friend to an indoor skydiving experience.

She said: "For Nicola it was a challenge as she is not a big fan of heights, however we both really enjoyed the experience and it sparked an idea to raise money for the Yorkshire Brain Tumour Charity, which is clearly a cause dear to both of our hearts.

"The charity is working hard to find a cure and develop more effective treatment whilst providing ongoing support for both patients and their families throughout Yorkshire."

On Saturday, July 30, the friends will take part in a tandem skydive at Bridlington, where they will each make the jump while secured to an instructor.

Rachael added:" Brain Tumours can effect anyone at any time and they are the single biggest killer of the under 40’s in the UK, we would ask anyone who feels able to make a donation to this very deserving cause."

Rachael and Nicola have set up Just Giving pages for people to donate to the charity. Find them at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rachael-bell11; and at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nicola-chapman30