A CHURCHWARDEN at St Petrock’s Church at Timberscombe probably had a few words with the ‘boss upstairs’ before jumping out of a plane for a 10,000ft tandem skydive.

Marion Jeffrey was supporting the Somerset Churches Trust (SCT) and St Petrock’s as part of the annual Ride+Stride fundraising event in which churches and chapels raise money to help places of worship maintain their fabric and install modern facilities.

The tandem skydive was developed into Ride+Stride+Glide and Marion was well supported by many friends, family and others throughout the community.

The skydive involved a freefall of 6,000ft and then a slightly more sedate parachute descent for the final 4,000ft.

“It was all quite nerve-wracking but no bones were broken and an immediate desire to repeat the jump from two miles above Oxfordshire has happily subsided,” said Marion.

“As of the first week in October, with the Virgin Money Giving page shortly to close down, the fabulous total raised is £3,331 but with Gift Aid will raise just over £3,909.

“A tremendous amount which will help St Petrock’s to flourish and other Somerset churches to do the same.”

Marion thanked everyone who supported the jump and encouraged her to go ahead. If anyone would like to help her break the £4,000 barrier, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MarionJeffrey