THE heartbroken dad of a young girl who died after suffering a rare genetic condition has taken to the skies to raise money in her honour.

Dominic Leggett, 31, of St Alphege Gardens, Andover, completed a 10,000ft skydive to raise thousands of pounds for Naomi House Children’s Hospice, where his daughter visited.

Lacey Pearl Leggett was only two years old when she died on February 14 this year after suffering from an extremely rare disease that causes progressive muscle weakness. Lacey was believed to be the only person in Europe suffering from the condition, known as mitochondrial depletion disease, which left her needing roundthe- clock ventilation.

Richard Dilworth, 30, whose partner has known Lacey’s mum Lisa for 11 years, also took on the daunting challenge at Old Sarum Airfield, near Salisbury.

Between them Dominic and Richard raised more than £2,000 for the Sutton Scotney hospice, which provides care and support to children with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses.

Dominic said: “I’m honoured to support such a wonderful charity in memory of my beautiful daughter.

“Naomi House is an amazing place that makes dreams come true for seriously sick and lifelimited children and supports many families who live in and around Andover.”

Richard, of Shipton Bellinger, who is scared of heights and had never been on a plane before, said: “I was prepared to conquer my fear to raise money for such a worthwhile cause.

“It was an amazing day, I was honoured to have been part of it and I definitely want to do it again next year.”