CROW reporter Joanne Jarvis is set to fulfil a life-long ambition - while raising funds for the Isabel Hospice. Joanne will embark on a skywards journey in July, by taking part in a 10,000ft tandem sky dive. The event is part of the Welwyn Garden City-ba

CROW reporter Joanne Jarvis is set to fulfil a life-long ambition - while raising funds for the Isabel Hospice.

Joanne will embark on a skywards journey in July, by taking part in a 10,000ft tandem sky dive.

The event is part of the Welwyn Garden City-based hospice's 25th anniversary, in which it has set up a fund-raising programme in the hope of raising £3.3 million.

Joanne said: "This is something that I have always wanted to do, although at the same time have always been a bit apprehensive. But when the hospice contacted me I thought why not?

"At the moment I'm excited about the jump, although I'm trying not to think about the distance I'll be jumping from. I'm sure the nerves will kick in nearer the time, but I've been ensured that I will be in good hands."

Nineteen others will be joining Joanne in the clouds, including Steve Folland from Heartbeat FM's breakfast show. They have all been set a fund-raising target of £375 (£230 of which goes to the hospice), but The Crow's very own dare-devil is hoping to raise £2,000.

She said: "If I reach my target it will all be worthwhile, especially as the money is being raised for cancer sufferers and those with life-limiting illnesses. I'm sure the money will be put to good use and worth all the sleepless nights."

Gill Macdonald, of the Isabel Hospice, said: "The local community are always supportive of the hospice and have raised money for us in a wide variety of ways - from cake sales to skydiving.

"Not everyone is good at baking, and not everyone wants to fall 10,000ft at 120mph. Each to their own, but we are always grateful of any donation."

In a similar event last year the hospice raised £1,500, but with more participants signed up for July, it is hoping to raise more.

Gill added: "This is such a brave way to raise money and I take my hat off to all of them."

* The jump will take place on Sunday, July 15 at Chatteris near Cambridge. And if you would like to show your support for Joanne's brave quest and raise funds for the Isabel Hospice visit www.justgiving.com/jojarvis or send a cheque made payable to the Isabel Hospice to Joanne Jarvis at the Royston Crow, Heath House, Princes Mews, Royston, Herts, SG8 9RT.