Sky's the limit for daredevil Tony, 66

Tony Stevens, 66 – the president of the Rotary club of South Ribble – took his leap of faith in aid of St Catherine’s Hospice.

After one attempt was cancelled due to low cloud cover, Tony eventually took to the air on a day with clear blue skies at the Black Knights Parachute Centre, Cockerham, near Lancaster.

A decision was made to increase the height of the jump to 15,000 feet to enhance the experience – and also the footage of video film.

Showing no signs of nerves he happily got on the small plane and took off securely attached to his instructor.

There was plenty of jovial banter in the plane before the moment came to approach the exit. There was then no turning back. A few seconds suspended outside the plane, and then they were free falling.

Tony said: “The experience was just like flying - no sounds, just the wind rushing by.

“All too soon the parachute opened and it was time to relax and admire the stunning views over Morecambe Bay, Blackpool and the Lake District.”

With a near perfect landing the once in a lifetime experience was over.

After taking a short time to recover his breath, Tony’s first comment was “phew”, especially after being told his was the fastest descent of the day at 167 mph.

Asked if he would do it again, he added: “I’ll think about it.”

Tony will not only always have the video to remind him of the day he jumped out of a plane at 15,000 feet, but also the satisfaction of raising more than £1,000 for the Lostock Hall charity.

He thanked all the people who sponsored the event, which marked the end of two tiring, but exciting, years as club president.