THE mum of a young boy who lost his fight against cancer helped keep his memory alive when she plummeted through the skies to raise money for charity.

A total of 12 supporters of Louie’s Smiles, including Louie's mum Joanne Booth from Chitterne, near Warminster, embarked on the leap of faith at GoSkydive in Old Sarum, organised by Emma Lloyd and Lance Coldwell, to raise £6,500.

The money will go towards purchasing new books and toys for children receiving treatment in wards at Southampton General Hospital and Salisbury District Hospital.

Louie’s Smiles, based in Chitterne, was set up by the family of Louie Coldwell, who died in 2012 at the age of 10 after losing a brave battle with a rare form of cancer.

Louie’s mum and co-founder of the charity, Joanne Booth, said: “It was a really fantastic day, everyone enjoyed the jump and some who were scared beforehand loved it so much they want to do another one.

“I was very scared before doing it as I have vertigo but as soon as I got up there I felt safe thanks to the brilliant staff at Old Sarum.

“We’re looking forward to buying new toys with the money and seeing the reaction of children when we deliver them – that amount of money can buy a lot of toys.

“We are all overwhelmed with everyone’s generosity and support and look forward to using this money to spread more smiles.”

After fundraising events such as this one, the charity has been able to expand and now delivers toys to more wards at the two hospitals where Louie received treatment.

The committee will now meet to discuss what their next fundraising feat will be.

To find out more about the charity, visit http://www.louies-smiles.com/