TWO of Barnsley’s footballing heroes - Mick McCarthy and Nicky Eaden - are joining forces with brave family and friends in a charity skydive.

The group, raising funds for Barnsley Hospital Charity to support patients, will leap from 15,000 feet on Sunday, continuing the strong legacy of community support that Eaden’s Bar in Barnsley is known for.

The skydive is just the latest in a series of fundraising efforts led by Eaden’s Bar - run by Nicky and his family in the town centre - whose ‘Sunday Sesh’ events featuring footballing legends past and present have raised more than £26,000 for local causes.

Mick, who is from Worsbrough and started his playing career at Oakwell, has managed more than 1,000 games for Millwall, Sunderland, Wolves, Ipswich, Cardiff and Blackpool.

He said: “The hospital looked after my mum and dad, so when I was asked if I wanted to do a skydive, I jumped at the chance, literally.”

Nicky, who clocked up more than 300 caps for the Reds, where he came through the youth system and represented them in the Premier League, won a Proud of Barnsley award last year for his bar’s fundraising efforts.

He added: “I didn’t jump at the chance, not at first, anyway&

“But I wanted to do something to give back to our town and support the amazing work of the NHS.”

Jane Mills, charity development manager, praised their efforts and the knock-on impact of the famous duo’s fundraising.

“We’re incredibly grateful to both Mick and Nicky, the skydivers and everyone who has donated.

“The funds raised will go directly towards supporting patients and improving hospital experiences.”