A woman who lost her dad to suicide is about to embark on a charity skydive to raise both funds and awareness.

But Stacey Weir, from Whitehaven, won’t be going it alone, with best friend Lauren Graham agreeing to join her for the jump.

Together they will raise money for Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) Cumbria, a group which supports those who have lost relatives and friends to suicide during the difficult times ahead.

Stacey, 29, and Lauren, 26, also from Whitehaven, decided to take on the daring feat in memory of Stacey’s dad, John Hyncica, who took his own life in 2014.

The charity has helped Stacey since her father’s death, and she now wants to give something back so it can continue its good work.

“When something like suicide happens, it’s hard to understand what’s going on. With SOBS Cumbria, you’re speaking to people who have had similar experiences, so you’re with people who know what it feels like.

“In a way, you can relate to each other. Some people don’t have anyone, so it’s really important that the support is there for people who might be going through it by themselves,” said Stacey.

Each year, more than 6,000 people take their own lives across the UK.

SOBS is a national charity which works to provide emotional support to those who have been left behind. The Cumbrian support groups meet once a month, with groups in north, west and south Cumbria. They also have a local 24/7 helpline.

The two women will take part in the skydive on Saturday , April 29 .

Stacey said she is nervous, but less so knowing she has a friend at her side.

“Lauren is one of my best friends; she saw how hard it was for me when my dad died. I told her about what I was planning to do and she offered to join me so that we could raise more money and help more people.

"We’re both really excited and nervous; Lauren’s definitely scared about the jump,” she said.

SOBS Cumbria provides support locally to people in and around Cumbria, south Scotland, north Lancashire and north east England.

“I’m glad I’m helping a local charity, because it means that I’m helping local people,” added stacey. “Everyone says I’m crazy, but that I’m doing an amazing thing. They say my dad would be proud. I’ve always wanted to do a lot of extreme things, like bungee jumping and skydiving; my dad liked extreme things too.”

So far, the pair have raised £1,090 but are aiming to get that up to £2,000.

Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so online - https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/staceyweirandlaurengraham - or by sending a cheque to SOBS Cumbria, 28 Castleview Road, Appleby, CA16 6HH.

*If you are struggling with the death of someone who has taken their own life, SOBS Cumbria is there to offer support 24/7.

Contact the helpline on 07572 975 721 (John) or 07896 703757 (Karan), or email hello@sobs-cumbria.org.uk . SOBS Cumbria is also on Facebook, or Twitter at @SOBSCumbria.