Jumping 10,000ft from an aeroplane definitely wasn’t in the job description.

But that didn’t stop four daring Evening News reporters and Pink ‘Un editor Richard Willner taking the leap – to raise money for the Big C, a Norfolk cancer charity.

Despite battling hailstorms, lightning and generally dreary weather James Bigg, Richard Willner, Dan Grimmer, Nick Parker and Olivia Richwald did the parachute jump to raise money for the Norwich-based newspaper’s Opening the Door appeal.

They were joined by Nick Sabberton, who works for the Evening News parent company Archant, and two readers.

The team prepare to take to the skies

The appeal is aiming to raise a quarter of a million pounds to help pay for a £700,000 brand new family cancer information and support centre at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

More than £35,000 has already been raised by hundreds of people across Norfolk who have leapt, cycled, shaved and much more – the fund should be boosted by more than £1,000 after the latest jumps.

The tandem skydives, from 10,000ft were done as part of a Big C day with UK Parachuting in Old Buckenham.

Reporter Dan gets ready for take off

Fighting threatening storm clouds, it took all day for the weather to clear but everyone who did the leap, enjoyed the experience.

James said: “We got up to 4,000ft and I thought we were nearly there but we weren’t even halfway. It was brilliant being up in the plane. We flew past Norwich and I even got to wave at Carrow Road. The jump was an incredible experience.”

Richard said: “It was one of the most exciting things I have ever done.

“I was a bit worried at first when the idea was suggested but I would recommend anyone to parachute and, of course, it was all in aid of a very good cause.”

Evening News editor, David Bourn, said: “When I say jump, I expect my staff to jump! Seriously though, it just shows that the staff on the Evening News are prepared to go that extra yard for the paper.

“It was a fantastic effort for a fantastic charity.”

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