Two women will take on a hair-raising challenge in memory of a young man who died from cancer.

Ann Fothergill, from Bedale, and Liz Sheldon, from Spennithorne, are to complete a tandem skydive – weather permitting – on April 27.

For Liz, a skydive is a long-held bucket list ambition. Ann, however, is pushing herself a long way outside her comfort zone. She is petrified of heights and when her children were growing up she would never share their love of white knuckle rides, always watching from the safety of firm ground.

The intrepid pair are taking part to raise funds for Cancer Research UK in memory of Ann's eldest son Thomas Fothergill (Foggy) who died from cancer after a short illness in March 2021.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Ann Fothergill with son Thomas

Born and raised in Bedale, Thomas had many interests including basketball, nice cars and vintage farm machinery, and also loved to help out on his grandfather's farm during busy times.

Ann said that pushing herself to do the skydive is nothing compared to what Thomas went through in the last four months of his life. "If we can raise a few pounds to help find a cure for this terrible disease that affects so many people, every penny helps," she added.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Ann Fothergill, from Bedale, and Liz Sheldon, from Spennithorne

"The date we have chosen (weather permitting) is April 27, which is two days after what would have been Thomas's 35th birthday."

Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/page/ann-fothergill-1709844459898 or left at The Courtyard Cafe in Bedale.