“It’s amazing how things have changed and improved for the better, in terms of the care and support now available for children and families” – Dave marks his 80th birthday with a skydive to raise funds for EACH

A daredevil fundraiser took the plunge for charity – skydiving 13,000 feet to show his support for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).

Former military man Dave Thomas bravely completed the feat to celebrate his 80^th birthday.

He chose to support EACH as wife Linda, who died of cancer in August 2022, volunteered in the charity’s Poringland shop – just half a mile from The Nook.

The skydive took place at Beccles Airfield on Sunday (14^th April).

“It was a fantastic experience and the conditions were perfect,” said fearless Dave, who lives in Upper Stoke.

“It wasn’t my first skydive, having done one 60 years ago in Singapore.

“That was during my time in the military and then I did another one near Nottingham in September 1984.

“So it wasn’t a new experience but I enjoyed it just as much and found it very exhilarating.

“After climbing to 13,000 feet, we were in freefall for about 50 seconds before the parachute opened at 5,000 feet.

“The views were amazing and we landed perfectly. I loved it and didn’t feel nervous in the slightest.

“People kept asking me how I was feeling but I was honestly fine.”

Dave’s exploits have already raised nearly £850 and, with more to come, he is confident of getting his total beyond £1,000.

EACH is a charity close to his heart as Linda volunteered in the charity’s Poringland shop after retiring in 2016.

“We had a son who sadly died when he was four, in 1979,” added Dave, who was married for 54 years.

“He had leukaemia and, at that time, there wasn’t anything like EACH.

“It’s amazing how things have changed and improved for the better, in terms of the care and support now available for children and families.

“Our experiences obviously stayed with us and that’s why we felt a connection with EACH, especially as we live so close to The Nook.”

Dave was supported at Beccles by daughter Lauren, son-in-law David and grandchildren Betsy, 12, and Stanley, ten.

The family are planning a short break in Wells-next-the-Sea to mark Dave’s big birthday, which is next Tuesday (23^rd April).

They chose the Norfolk coast as it was where Linda enjoyed celebrating her 70^th.

To show your support and sponsor Dave, click here.