A former weekly newspaper journalist who has lost four relatives to cancer in two years is to complete a charity skydive in their memory.

Ellie Young, who used to work for the Weston Mercury, will jump from 15,000ft on 21 September to raise cash for a charity which cares for people with the disease.

The 24-year-old, who now works as a communications officer at City of Bristol College, will undertake the challenge in aid of Weston Hospicecare, which is based in Weston-super-Mare.

Ellie told the Mercury she was inspired to make the leap in memory of her grandmother Irene Morris, who died at a hospice in Sussex after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer last August.

Ellie, right, with grandmother Irene Morris

She said: “The care given at the hospice was second-to-none and the support they gave our family in that time showcased the very best these hospice charities have to offer.

“When the opportunity to do something for Weston Hospicecare arose, I had to jump at the chance – literally. It is places like Weston Hospicecare that give families the support, love and smiling face you need when you are having the worst day of your life.

“Skydiving has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember as the adrenaline-junky in the family.

“While Weston Hospice didn’t directly look after my grandma or my other relatives who have been struck down by the horrific disease, I can’t give up the opportunity to raise money for such an unbelievable cause like this.”

To sponsor Ellie, click here.