A NURSE diagnosed with multiple sclerosis is taking the plunge to support a charity dedicated to helping sufferers.

Melissa Smith, a staff nurse at Airedale Hospital, will leap from a plane at 10,000 feet to boost the coffers of the MS Trust.

She will be joined in her June 3 daredevil challenge at Grange-over-Sands by her husband Tom, mum Jane Joy and best friend Aimee Priedavs.

"They're all taking part to support me," said Melissa, 28, from Glusburn.

"I have never done a skydive before. I'm excited and looking forward to it.

"I've previously run the London Marathon twice for the MS Trust, but this time I do not need to complete months of training beforehand. You're given tuition on the day.

"Aimee and my mum are petrified! My mum is scared of heights, so this will be a massive achievement for her.

"So far we have raised £799 from a wine tasting evening at The Counting House in Silsden, alongside generous donations from family, friends and colleagues.

"We also have a hamper to win at our local pub, the Turkey Inn at Goose Eye."

Melissa – who was diagnosed with MS, and epilepsy, in 2012 – said the support she had received from everyone was "amazing".

Her skydive is among many that will be taking place across the UK as part of the MS Trust's Jump in June campaign.

For more details, visit mstrust.org.uk/jumpinjune.

To sponsor Melissa, visit justgiving.com/Melissa-Smith23.