Greg Hire may be just as well-known for his charity work as he is for his exploits on the basketball court — and this week, the former Perth Wildcats star will take to the skies to advocate for another important cause.

The Wildcats Hall of Fame member, who is also the founder of mental health non-profit A Stitch in Time, has signed on to participate in this year’s edition of Breast Cancer Care WA’s Leap for Life.

On Friday, he will skydive off the coast of Jurien Bay to help raise funds for a disease nearly 1500 West Australian women are diagnosed with each year.

Speaking to The West Australian on the eve of his jump, Hire admitted his nerves were beginning to jangle, but said his decision to get behind the cause was a “no-brainer”.

“To be honest, I haven’t really been considering it. The reality has only set in with a few passing comments about the serious nature of it all or a few quiet moments by myself where the butterflies are definitely racing,” Hire said.

“I always go back and think of the reason why you’re doing it, and that overpowers those negative, intrusive thoughts.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and put it to the wayside because professional sport and the contract came in front of it.

“I’ve always loved supporting true WA charities too that really do the work that sometimes is unheralded or isn’t publicised.”

And Hire has even managed to convince one of his former teammates and current Wildcats captain Jesse Wagstaff to take the near-5000m plunge with him.

While the now-40-year-old Wagstaff signed on for what will be his 18th season at the Wildcats in April, Hire said convincing his great mate to join in “wasn’t hard at all”.

“We’ve seen a little bit of a spike (in donations) since his inclusion into it as well,” Hire said.

“It is going to be pretty cool to share an experience like that with one of your best mates.”

Donations can be made via the Leap for Life website.