Staff at Compass House surgery in Brixham and Torbay Hospital’s breast cancer unit are taking part in a group skydive this Sunday (September 15) to raise £10,000 for their patients.

The skydive will mark the end of a fundraising campaign that started last August and has so far raised more than £9,000.

During that time the group has cycled from Land’s End to John o’Groats and taken part in a static cycle ride.

They now hope the daredevil efforts of its 10 sky divers will help tip them over their £10,000 target when they jump from a plane at 15,000 ft at Dunkeswell airport.

Senior practice pharmacist John John (known as JJ) took on this challenge as a way of saying thank you for the care provided to patients by the breast care unit team, and to help pay for improvements which cannot be funded through the NHS.

JJ is now asking the community to get behind him and his and colleague Jamie Roberts’ challenge.

Last year, Torbay Hospital’s busy breast care unit saw 4,363 new patients and accommodated 7,307 follow-up appointments.

There are plans to redevelop the unit as part of a wider hospital development programme, and the funds raised will reportedly enhance the environment for patients and their families at a time when they need the most empathy and care.

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust’s clinical lead for breast surgery, Donna Egbeare, said: “JJ and Jamie are aiming high with an ambitious fundraising target, and we are grateful for all their hard work and support.

“Our plans for the breast care unit are part of the hospital’s wider redevelopment programme to ensure a better experience for all our patients who make their way through the breast care unit each year.”

To support JJ and Jamie and find out more, visit ‘CompassHouse Surgery is fundraising for Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity’ at justgiving.com