An editor’s frustrating on-going battle with the weather gods finally ended when he leapt out of a plane for charity.

After two cancelled attempts due to poor conditions, Herts Advertiser editor Matt Adams enjoyed glorious sunshine when he took one small step for man from 13,000ft over the fields of Oxfordshire on Sunday.

The 38-year-old was enlisted into doing the skydive by local hospice charity Grove House while attending the retirement party of his predecessor Noel Cantillon who left in April.

Matt told HTFP he felt in safe hands as he embarked on his journey downwards as his ex-military tandem partner had completed over 11,000 jumps and consulted on Hollywood movies.

“It was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life, and so hard to describe to someone who hasn’t actually done it,” he said.

“Nothing prepares you for that moment when you leap out of the plane, and then keep on falling until my tandem partner pulled the ripcord and we were catapulted back up again, with my stomach leaping into my chest.

“Once the parachute was out it was just a case of guiding ourselves into land, which allowed me to enjoy the scenery, and my partner proved an excellent guide.

“I would definitely do it again, but maybe not in the UK, as the weather is so unreliable, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for the ultimate adrenalin hit.”

Matt prepares for take-off