A HEALTHCARE assistant from Basingstoke hospital is gearing up to take a big leap in memory of a friend who died from cystic fibrosis.

Steve Gartland, 22, was touched by the strength of a school pal Melissa Godfrey, from Kempshott, who lost her battle against the illness in November 2008, aged just 21.

Steve, who lives in the hospital campus accommodation, has now teamed up with a group of friends for a fundraising tandem jump on Wednesday, July 7, at Hinton Skydiving Centre, just north of Oxford. The big jump will raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Steve said: “I decided to do something after going to her memorial service. The skydive itself reflects Melissa’s outgoing and determined outlook on life and so fits the cause well.”

Steve has never skydived before and admits the whole experience will be “pretty insane”. He will be jumping with Sarah Lester, 22, from Kempshott, Basingstoke, Karley Yeoman, 22, from South Ham, Basingstoke, and Matt Fox, 21, from Tadley.

“There is no cure for cystic fibrosis but what the trust is able to do to improve lives is unbelievable,” said Steve.

You can sponsor Steve online by visiting justgiving.com/stevegartland.