A Tunbridge Wells father-of-one will be jumping out of a plane with four colleagues to help the UK's most vulnerable children this weekend.

Alex Cole will be completing the 12,000 sky-dive at Headcorn Airfield to coincide with UK Employee Ownership Day and raise funds for Barnardo's.

The 33-year-old has so far completed three half marathons, a 12k mud obstacle race, a 5k spartan obstacle race and a triathlon to get half way through his 12 fundraising challenges for Barnardo's.

The John Lewis manager said: "I've always been a bit scared of heights so this is a personal challenge as well as a fundraising challenge. I wanted to do something that would really push me and raise as much money as possible for Barnardo's.

Mr Cole has undertaken a year-long fundraising mission to raise up to £12,000 for the charity. So far, along with a team, he has raised more than £3,000.

The self-confessed running addict was inspired to support the charity after seeing the vital work that Barnardo's does to help vulnerable children in the UK.

Mr Cole added: "Understanding how John Lewis has backed Barnardo's amazing work with children, really motivated me to push myself physically raise as much money as possible."

John Lewis has been supporting the charity since the retailer's 150th anniversary celebrations in 2014, and has so far raised £639,000.

"I'm doing this for such a great cause. I had a good upbringing and want to give something back. As a father it really strikes a chord when you know that other children really need your help" - Alex Cole

The money helps to fund specialist early years work, which teaches parents of vulnerable activities they can do with their child to help them thrive.

In September Mr Cole will complete his Spartan Trifecta, completing two events on back to back weekends.

He added: "I'm doing this for such a great cause. I had a good upbringing and want to give something back. As a father it really strikes a chord when you know that other children really need your help."

He is now asking for others to join him and help smash his £12,000 total by hosting their own fundraising events.

Barnardo’s chief executive, Javed Khan said: “It’s fundraisers like Alex that enable us to help those children and families who need it the most. We rely on their generous commitment, creativity and motivation. Barnardo’s will be cheering Alex along all the way and hoping he reaches his fundraising target.”

For more information or to join Mr Cole in his fundraising efforts click here or to donate click here.