A brave debut skydiver who works in Honiton has been overwhelmed by the generosity of an Ottery family that has pledged to double the £2,267 she raised for Hospiscare.

When Toni Hiscocks agreed to jump 15,000 feet out of a plane - the highest possible level without oxygen - she hoped to raise £1,000 for a cause close to her heart, but the ‘brilliant’ donation has taken her five times over this target.

The mum-of-two is an assistant practitioner at Kings House Day Hospice, in Honiton, and says the family – that wishes to remain anonymous – read about her skydive and contacted her with the proposal.

Toni, 45, of Spring Gardens, Ottery St Mary, said she knows the family, which wanted to do something to help support the cause.

She said: “Their offer is just so brilliant. They wanted to give to Hospiscare because they appreciate the work we do and all of the services we offer.

“The skydive was postponed twice, which was not good for my nerves - it was terrible waiting. I finally did it at 8am on Saturday, August 27, at Dunkeswell Airfield and they were so good there.

“I did it because it was on my bucket list and I wanted to be out of my comfort zone. I have got no problem with flying but this is different.

“It helped knowing that I was raising money for something that enhances lots of lives. It was an amazing experience.

“I would like to thank all those who sponsored and supported me, including all the patients, staff and volunteers at Kings House Day Hospice. Thank you especially to my wonderful anonymous family who have matched what I have raised.”

She added that the shops in Ottery and Honiton embraced her fundraising challenge by putting out collection tins and the community rallied to support the cause.

Toni said she is passionate about what she does, knowing that they make such a difference to so many.