TWO women are to make a 10,000-ft tandem skydive to raise money for the homeless.

Durham University lecturer Maggie McDowell and Laura Burdon, a complaint handler for Hewlett Packard in Peterlee, hope to raise £1,000 for the Changing Lives charity with the daredevil jump.

The pair will be taking to the skies about Shotton Colliery Airfield in County Durham on Sunday, December 7.

Ms McDowell said: “The work that homeless charities within the region do is inspirational - this is something I have observed first hand as part of my research for my PhD.

“I am passionate about helping homeless people and supporting homeless services where possible.

“The sky dive is very much a challenge. On a personal level, it's about facing my fear of heights and on a practical level, it's about raising as much money as possible for a worthwhile cause”.

Ms McDowell is a long-term supporter of the charity, running an annual clothing collection for local homeless people.

Her third annual collection starts today (Monday, November 17) with supporters able to drop off clothes, shoes and bedding at Room 221, Elvet Riverside buildings, New Elvet, Durham. Donations can be made until Friday, December 5.

Changing Lives’ Director of Fundraising Cara Reynolds said: “Maggie’s a friend of Changing Lives because of her regular clothing collections for homeless people in the area.

“She and Laura are taking their support to a whole new level with their December skydive.

“The money they raise will help some of the north east’s most vulnerable people this winter.”

Ms McDowell added: “Both Laura and I are extremely grateful for the support we have received so far, we are confident that we will reach our target of £1000 but we need your support to do this, so please make a donation"

To make a donation, please visit www.justgiving.com/Maggie-McDowellandLaura-Burdon