BRAVE fundraisers took a leap of faith in a daring bungee jump to raise cash for a west Suffolk hospice.

About 55 people took the plunge off a 160ft-high platform in a Valentine’s Day Fling to support St Nicholas Hospice Care.

Sarah Sheldrake, 38, jumped off the specially-constructed crane in the car park of the Highbury Barn pub, in Great Cornard, yesterday in front of cheering family and friends.

Mrs Sheldrake, who lives in Great Cornard, said she wanted to raise �800 in memory of her friend, Claire Brice, 37, who died of breast cancer in January.

She said: “Claire was fabulous. She was amazing. She inspired us all to be better people.”

Spectators were entertained with live music from two bands as well as catering, and a hog roast.

Warren Brown, 45, surprised his partner Keri Vooght, 35, with a bungee jump as an early Valentine’s Day present.

Mr Brown, who also lives in Great Cornard, said he hoped to raise �900 for the Bury St Edmunds hospice in a jump himself.

“Nothing says love more than a bungee jump,” he said. “There has been a fantastic turnout today.

“It seems like such a worthwhile thing to do to raise some money for a brilliant cause.”

Ms Vooght said she was thrilled with her unusual gift.

“I’m really excited,” she said. “I have always wanted to do a bungee jump. I just hadn’t planned on doing it quite so soon.”

Teams and individuals from across the region, including Bury-based brewer Greene King and students from West Suffolk College as well as staff at Tesco in Haverhill, all rallied together to take part in the daredevil event.

All money raised will go to support the hospice, which costs �10,000 a day to run.

Jenny Baskett, challenges and events fundraiser for the hospice, said she was delighted with the response.

“There has been a lovely atmosphere,” she said. “A lot of people are here because the hospice has helped someone they know and it is their way of giving something back.”

To make a donation, visit www.stnicholashospice.org.uk