FATHER’S day will be especially poignant this year for one University of Chester employee who is set to plunge 15,000ft in memory of her dad.

Kathryn Melling, research officer and lecturer in statistics at the university, will take part in a tandem skydive in Lincolnshire on Sunday to raise funds for the hospice where her father was cared for.

Frank Melling died at the Leeds-based St Gemma’s Hospice in 2008 at the age of 70 following a brief illness with cancer.

The 36-year-old, of Little Heath Road, Littleton, explained: “We miss him more than I can say, every day. Yet he was not just dear to us, it was standing room only in the church at his funeral.

“We drew some of our strength during that difficult time from the care he received from the hospice. The level of understanding and gentle considerate care shown to us, as well as to him, was something that I will always be grateful for.”

So when Kathryn learned that the fundraising team at the hospice had organised the Jump For Your Dad event to take place the day before Father’s Day she knew it was a way to show her gratitude for the care and support the hospice had given.

She said: “I am absolutely terrified and my family and friends think I am nuts, but when I heard about it through the hospice newsletter I knew it was the perfect thing to do.”

Kathryn has already surpassed her £395 target but is keen to raise as much as possible for the hospice.

She has set up a page at justgiving.com/Kathryn-Melling, where you can make a donation.

She added: “All of the money I raise towards and above my target is donated directly to the hospice and even if you can only afford £1, please donate – it all helps to support the work that the hospice does.”