Nine brave locals will be taking to the skies and hurling themselves out of a plane in honour of Lucia Robinson, the inspirational teenage fundraiser from Hemington, who had always wanted to do the same.

Writhlington School student Lucia was too unwell to take part in a skydive towards the end of her life, and now, friends and fundraisers will be taking on the challenge to fulfil her wish. It is all part of an annual fundraiser, ’Railway Rocks’, which marks Lucia’s birthday each year, and helps raise funds for the charities that were so close to her heart and her dedicated cause, ‘Go Blue’, her favourite colour.

Lucia passed away in 2015 from the aggressive cancer, Astrocytoma.

This will be the fourth Railway Rocks event which takes place on the second May Bank Holiday weekend. Last year’s event raised a record amount of over £2,000, and it is hoped that this year’s target will be exceeded, with the help of the nine skydivers.

The skydive was originally due to take place last Sunday, 11th March, but unfortunately, was cancelled due to bad weather. A new date of 15th April is now in place, so the team will have to tackle their nerves for a few more weeks yet. Locals, Mel Parfitt, Andrew Pack, Michelle Targett, John Wedmore, Lisa and Courtney Cullen, Sean Wedmore, Sheldon Gould and Amy Rotherham will be going up to great heights to help raise funds for Bristol Children’s Hospital, the Teenage Cancer Trust, CLIC Sargent, The Rainbow Trust and Children’s Hospice South West.

One of the skydivers, Lisa Cullen, told The Journal: “The skydive itself is a very scary thing to do when I think about it, but knowing it is something Lucia always wanted to do, but couldn’t, is even more of a reason to complete the jump.

“She was so brave in her battle; I know she’ll be there with us in ours! The fact nine of us are doing it is great support for each other, and there’s a real team spirit and much banter going on.

“Also, to have nine people jumping, shows how supported the charity is, and how dedicated we are to do this in her memory. We will continue to raise money for Lucia’s legacy. Also, we are trying to get one over on the boys’ chest wax they did last year! They thought that was brave... Well, that was nothing!”

This year’s Railway Rocks event takes place at the Railway pub in Radstock on Sunday, 27th May with live music from 1 p.m. – 7.45 p.m. and will be joined by local bands, The Venezuelan Pig Rustlers, Parfanon, the Zero Hour, the One Tones and Up Your Brass.

One of the organisers, Joanne Cullen, said: “We have always been really lucky to receive amazing support from local people and businesses – with a huge thank you to Downside School, The Railway, Feet1st4u, the Horrington Milk Hut and Tom Clarke at Quick Print.

“This year’s skydive was first mentioned at last year’s event, and we have been planning it ever since then – it is something that Lucia really wanted to do herself to raise money. She was a massive Star Wars fan, so the Railway will become the Jedi Bar for the day, with optional Star Wars fancy dress. We’ll also be running a raffle and barbecue at the event, and everyone is so very welcome to come along, listen to some great music, enjoy a pint and support the cause.”

Readers who would like to support the skydivers can do so by calling in with donations to The Railway or Feet1st4u in the Hollies, Midsomer Norton.