ALI HUNT always said there was nothing she wouldn't do for North Devon Hospice.

Now, her former colleague, Anne Tattersall, has taken her at her word.

Together they have signed up for a parachute jump in aid of the charity.

And, if that were not enough of a challenge, the pair are also competing to see who can raise the most sponsorship.

The challenge came about when colleagues were trying to coax Ali into doing a parachute jump.

Anne, who is head of communications at the Big Sheep, said: "I foolishly said 'I'll do it if you do' and Ali agreed.

"Now I have agreed I won't back down despite the fact I am absolutely terrified. I never go back on my word once I commit."

As they are both jokers they thought April Fool's Day would be an appropriate date.

The jump will cost £300 each but they are fundraising for this separately so that everything they raise from the actual jump will go to the hospice.

Whoever collects the most sponsorship money will "win" the added bonus of a case of wine from the "loser".

When Anne used to work at the hospice with Ali they were dubbed "the A team". So the challenge is like old times.

Anne said: "Since leaving North Devon Hospice I have really missed working with Ali. She is such an inspirational woman and her commitment to the hospice is amazing so it will be great to be doing something with her again.

"I am mentally preparing myself by not thinking about it until April but in the meantime I am on a serious fundraising drive and have a target of £1,000.

"So Ali, you had better be working hard with your fund- raising efforts because I can taste that wine already."

Ali Hunt, head of fundraising at the hospice, said: "The reality of this challenge is just dawning on me and while the thought of it has my stomach doing somersaults and my legs turning to jelly, I have to say that I think it will be great.

"I have never done anything like this before but there has to be a first time for everything.

"I have so much respect for Anne; she is someone who 'walks the walk' and if she says she's going to do something she puts her heart and soul into it.

"She is an amazing person. I realise that raising more sponsorship than Anne will be the most daunting challenge, but it is one that I am really up for.

"When I think about the challenges that many local people face who are supported by our hospice our challenge pales into insignificance.

"I have always said there is nothing I would not do for our hospice and now it would seem Anne has taken me at my word. There goes my tummy again."