An anxious flyer overcame his fears to take the plunge in an epic skydive for charity.

Chris Jones, from Margate, raised more than £800 for Pilgrims Hospices by braving the tandem dive.

As an associate practitioner at the Margate hospice, Mr Jones was keen to raise vital funds for Pilgrims' compassionate care.

"The whole experience was incredible," Mr Jones said.

"From the professional briefing, to the flight in the small Cessna Caravan plane, the exhilarating freefall and gentle but exciting parachute drop to the landing site.

"It was an awesome experience, only made better by the professionalism and good humour of the Skydive Headcorn team and especially Simon, my instructor, in whom I had every confidence."

With the help of his colleague and wing-woman Kathleen Steel, who helped spread the word and encouraged people to sponsor him, Mr Jones was able to raise £805 for Pilgrims.

He added: "We have passion to give our patients the opportunity to live a life where they are fully supported, not just with their medical needs, but with their holistic needs as well.
"Most importantly for me, in my role I'm able to offer a safe space for our patients and their carers to come in, meet people in a similar situation and offer therapies like reminiscence, creative projects or simply a good game of Boccia.

"By doing this, I feel I'm able to provide the support they need in the way they want it.
"The associate practitioner role is such a diverse one in the hospitce.

"I'm proud to be part of our dynamic therapy centre team, especially at a time when the service and the role are evolving in such a positive way."

If you fancy following in his footsteps, sign up to take part in a tandem skydive for the charity on either Saturday, June 1 or 7 on the Pilgrims Hospices website.