FUNDRAISERS filled the skies when they jumped out of a plane for a Huddersfield-based charity.

Fifty-four adrenaline junkies took part in one of the UK’s highest skydives and raised £20,000 for the Laura Crane Youth Cancer Trust.

Shut up and Dive was organised by serial thrill-seeker Steph Budby, of Heckmondwike, and took place at the Hibaldstow Airfield, Lincolnshire.

Steph, who previously raised money for the cause through the Big Jump at the Galpharm Stadium in 2009, originally set a target of £10,000 for the charity skydive, but was astounded at the money raised.

She said: “I could not have done this without everyone who bravely took up the challenge and those who have supported them.

“A huge thank you to the 54 brave fundraisers who threw themselves from a plane and collectively raised an astonishing £20,000 for the trust.”

The fundraisers, the youngest of whom was 16, took part in a tandem skydive with a qualified parachuting instructor, which saw them free fall from 15,000 feet.

Trust manager Pam Thornes said: “What a fantastic event to have 54 brave supporters stepping up to the challenge.

“When we saw them free fall, for those of us with our feet firmly on the ground it was quite scary, but an amazing sight as everyone returned to earth safely.

“We were especially delighted that more than half of those skydiving were actually within the same age group as the patients we support at the Trust and it is quite moving to see those young people willing to put their fears behind them in support of other young people who sadly are battling against cancer.

“We are extremely proud of all our skydivers and of Steph who is certainly one of Laura’s Stars.”

The trust was set up by Jaquie Roeder after her teenage daughter Laura Crane developed four types of cancer and died in May 1996.

Every day in the UK six young people aged between 13 and 24 are diagnosed with cancer.

The charity is dedicated to funding research, specifically into cancers that affect young patients.

It also funds various measures to improve the lives of those young patients whilst they are undergoing treatment.

The Laura Crane Trust has also been chosen as the Huddersfield Giants’ Charity of the Year for 2011.

Steph has said that she has already had a high level of interest in next year’s skydive, so those interested should contact the charity’s main office on 01484 510013 or email her at stephbud@btinternet.com