A skydive takes place in Offaly today to raise funds for Shauntelle Tynan

A group of 17 people are preparing to jump out of a plane – to raise much needed funds for a Carlow girl.

18-year-old Shauntelle Tynan, who has a rare form of cancer, Hystiocytosis X – needs to raise enough money to go to Texas for her next treatment.

Her mother Leona, members of her family, and some friends are preparing themselves to jump out of a plane this afternoon – while the other half of the group will do it in 4 weeks time.

They’re doing a 10,000 foot skydive to try raise some of the €500,000 needed to bring Shauntelle back to Texas in October.

It’s taking place at the Irish Parachute Club in Offaly – speaking to KCLR this morning, Shauntelle’s mother Leona says they’re hoping to raise as much money as possible.