THE sky is the limit for two Christchurch sisters who are joining a charity skydive for Lewis-Manning Hospice as they mark their 21st and 18th birthdays.

Paige Peall, a marketing assisting and the Lilliput hospice, and her younger sister Shannon will take the plunge on July 11 - a week before Paige turns 21 and five days after Shannon's 18th. For Paige will be the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition - and for Shannon, who is terrified of heights, the chance to conquer her fears.

As well as celebrating their milestone birthdays in sky-high style, the siblings are hoping to raise as much as possible for the hospice, which provides free care and support to local people with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. They will be part of a group of nine local people taking part in the tandem skydive for the charity at Salisbury Airfield.

Paige, who is in her third year studying business and marketing at Bournemouth University, has been working at Lewis-Manning Hospice as an intern for over a year before her return to university in October to complete her final year.

She said: “Skydiving is something which I have always found myself wanting to do, so to have the opportunity to take part in one, whilst raising funds for an incredible charity at the same time, is just amazing. I feel very lucky and proud to have worked alongside the team at Lewis-Manning for the past year, and this is my way of being able to give something back to them.”

Her sister Shannon, added, “Having learnt about and followed Lewis-Manning for the past year I have seen all their hard work put into helping the people who rely on them. For this reason I am extremely proud to be skydiving on behalf of such a deserving charity, and equally as grateful to everyone for their support and donations. I am petrified of heights, and not so keen on flying either, so this is a perfect opportunity for me to get out of my comfort zone and raise money for the hospice.”

Maria Tidy, fundraising manager at Lewis-Manning Hospice, said: “Skydiving is a different way of raising money for charity. You can enjoy the excitement and thrills of freefall whilst feeling proud that you are making a positive difference to people with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.”

To sponsor Paige or Shannon please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/shannon-peall/ and https://www.justgiving.com/Paige-Peall/