Manx thrillseekers jumped 15,000ft out of a plane in memory of two little girls from the island.

Ten volunteers and supporters of Manx charity A Little Piece of Hope, which provides financial support to families, who have sick and disabled children, took part in the skydiving fundraiser.

The event took place at Black Knights Parachute Centre in Lancashire over two weekends.

This was in tribute to baby girls Hope-Samara - daughter of Helen and Phil Walmsley from Port Erin - and Esmee-Sue - daughter of Robbie and Sara Quayle from Douglas - who were both stillborn.

After the loss of their child, Helen and Phil set the charity up in 2011 and have helped hundreds of families on the island struck by similar situations.

Through its fundraising events, the charity helps families travel to and from UK hospitals while offering financial aid for medical equipment and funeral costs.

Helen said: ’When you find yourself grieving the loss of a child or looking after a baby in need of medical care, the impact on your wellbeing is unimaginable.

’On top of that to have to consider the financial implications is almost too much to bear, so we founded A Little Piece of Hope to take a tiny piece of that strain away, and provide them with that small piece of hope.’

The skydive has so far raised £2,000.

Sara, who took part in the fundraiser, added: ’Jumping 15,000 feet out of a plane is not something I ever thought I would do, but it was an incredible experience and to complete it in memory of Esmee-Sue and Hope-Samara made it even more special.

’A Little Piece of Hope helps families through some of the most difficult times of their lives, and without its help and support we honestly wouldn’t be where we are today.’

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company provided travel support for the group.

Its chief executive, Mark Woodward, said: ’We were pleased to back this group of courageous jumpers and congratulate them for raising such a fantastic amount for the charity.’