A DAREDEVIL Pendle couple pushed personal tragedy to one side to raise money for charity - by jumping out of an aeroplane.

Alexandra Stobbs, 21, and Aaron Meggison, 24, used the opportunity to sky dive from 15,000ft while on holiday in Las Vagas in memory of close family friend Kevin Hartley.

The young couple, who live in Bristol Street, Colne, decided to take the plunge after Kevin, 52, lost his battle with bowel cancer in August after receiving treatment at Pendleside Hospice, Reedley.

Kevin was well-known throughout Pendle and worked as a council groundsman.

Alexandra and Aaron learned of Kevin's tragic death while they were on holiday, which meant they couldn't make the funeral.

Alexandra said: "We got the news of Kevin passing away while we were in Cancun, Mexico, before we moved on to Las Vagas, eight days before we were due to sky dive.

"We were extremely upset about the news but it only made me more determined to jump.

"There was definitely no backing out when I thought of Kevin watching us from up there.

"It was really frightening because throughout the training we were given loads of facts and statistics about the possibilities of us being hurt or seriously injured during the jump.

"We told Kevin that we wanted to raise some money before we went away, either to help pay for a holiday for him and his family to enjoy together or for charity.

"Kevin said he really wanted all the money to go to Pendleside Hospice because they had been so helpful throughout his illness.

"He would have been very proud of us for doing it.

"It was a big thing for me to do but knowing it was in memory of Kevin made it even more worthwhile."

Kevin, who lived at Pinfold Place, Nelson, with his wife Sheila, had three children and two grandchildren.

The money - £230.51 - was boosted by donations from employees at Furnico in Nelson and has now been donated to Hospice Care for Burnley and Pendle in memory of Kevin.