AN INSURANCE worker is preparing to jump out of a plane at 12,000ft in memory of her friend who died from leukaemia.

Jackie Nevell, from West Wickham, will skydive on April 10 to raise money for charity Pilgrims Hospices, which cared for her friend Nicola Parker before she died in August 2009.

More than 20 people will take part in the skydive to honour Mrs Parker, who died aged 37 and formerly lived in Orchard Way in Beckenham.

Miss Nevell, aged 38, said: “Nicki was my best friend, and had been since we were pupils at Langley Park School for Girls.

“She was such a special person, my hero and my rock. I miss her everyday. She never lost her sense of humour and was so very brave.”

For more information on the charity, go to pilgrimshospices.org