A BRAVE teenager from Evesham aimed for the sky when she decided to fund-raise for St Richard's Hospice.

Sixteen year-old Laura Boggeln, who is a student at Worcester Sixth Form College, plummeted 12,000ft in a sponsored sky dive and raised more than £500 for the Worcester charity.

"I wasn't really nervous," she said.

"I went into free fall for 8,000ft at 140 miles an hour which was amazing.

"I jumped out well above the clouds and could feel myself falling through them.

"I could also see all these little rainbows and when the parachute was released, I even had time to admire the view. It was a brilliant experience and something I've always wanted to do."

Hospice fund-raiser Joanna Street said: "We're really proud of Laura and very grateful for her support of St Richard's Hospice.

"I'm so pleased we could help her realise one of her dreams while also raising money for the hospice in such a unique way."

If anyone else is interested in a sky-diving challenge, call Joanna on 01905 763963 or e-mail appeals@strich ards.org.uk

St Richard's Hospice is currently based at Rose Hill, Worcester. Last year, it supported more than 1,550 patients with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and their families.

The charity relies on voluntary income and the goodwill of more than 550 volunteers.

The new St Richard's Hospice is being built in Spetchley and is due to open for patients in the autumn.