FIVE martial artists from Kidderminster who took part in a 120mph skydive have helped raise over £3,500 for a children’s charity close to their hearts.

Russell Perks, 41, of Marlpool, joined four of his students from the Russell Perks Martial Arts Academy as they took on the 13,000 foot jump at Hinton Airfield on Sunday, August 14.

Students James Bradley, 34, of Offmore Farm, Nick John, 39, of Green Hill, Anthony Brown, 47, and Philip Clarke, 38 – both of Marlpool – completed the five-man Kidderminster team.

Fundraising for Towards Tomorrow Together, who support parents following the loss of a baby, the group raised £1,927 with four additional members pushing the total to £3,541.

Mr Perks said: "It was one of the biggest adrenaline rushes I have ever had.

"For someone who is quite petrified of height it was an incredible experience. I loved it so much I’m considering taking it up as a hobby!

"We fell at 120mph for 45 seconds. I was a little apprehensive of that being afraid of heights but as soon as you on in that plane and the doors are open there is no going back.

"It was one of the best feelings I have ever had and I think we are going to make it an annual event at the academy. I’m delighted we have helped raise so much money."

The academy chose to fundraise for the charity as the founder of its Worcestershire branch, Lisa Clarke, is a current student, as is her husband Philip – who took part in the challenge.

Mr Clarke made the jump to mark the 10th anniversary of their daughter Alexandra Grace, who was pronounced stillborn at full term in September 2006.

Mrs Clarke said: "When we first thought about doing it we didn’t think many people would want to do it so it has been amazing. We are so happy.

"We are so grateful to the academy team because if it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t have raised half as much money. We are really grateful to everybody who did the jump.

"It was really significant for us for Phil to complete the skydive this year in memory of Alex as she would have been 10 this September.

"He's not a fan of heights so it was quite a challenge.

"When Alexandra was stillborn back in 2006 there wasn't any kind of after support available locally which is what brought about me joining Towards Tomorrow Together.

"It feels important in our family that her memory is kept alive."

Charity founder Mel Scott, 37, of Bridgend, Kayleigh Jones, 25, of Tipton, Charlotte Denham, 31, of Worcester, and Jessica Chu, 37 of Launceston, also made the jump.

Money raised will help the charity continue to provide local services and support meetings, donate keepsake boxes to hospitals, and provide alternative therapies for bereaved parents.

The charity, who are looking for new volunteers, are also helping raise money for the refurbishment of the Fay Turner bereavement suite at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

To volunteer, contact worcs.towardstomorrow@gmail.com.

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