TWO friends have raised hundreds of pounds for a homelessness charity with a daring skydive.

Durham University lecturer Maggie McDowell and Laura Burdon, a complaint handler from Peterlee, braved a 10,000ft tandem skydive over Shotton Colliery Airfield on Saturday to raise money for Changing Lives.

Although money is still coming in, they hope the parachute jump will raise something in the region of £500 for the cause.

The skydive was first scheduled to take place in December, but was cancelled due to the weather. But with clear skies over East Durham at the weekend, it was able to go ahead.

Ms McDowell organises an annual clothing collection for the homeless at the university and, despite her fear of heights, decided to take to the skies to boost the fund raising total this year.

She said: “It was definitely a personal challenge to get myself up there. I thought I would be more frightened jumping out.

“It was absolutely fantastic and a worthwhile experience which I am glad I did, but I don’t think it’s something I will repeat.

“The work that homeless charities within the region do is inspirational - this is something I have observed first hand as part of my research for my PhD.

“I am passionate about helping homeless people and supporting homeless services where possible”.

Cara Reynolds, director of Changing Lives, added: “Maggie’s a friend of Changing Lives because of her regular clothing collections for homeless people in the area.

“We really appreciate their courage. The money they raise will help some of the North-East’s most vulnerable people this winter.”