Barnstaple Council employees take a leap of faith for Chemo Appeal

Two North Devon Council employees have taken a leap of faith for a local charity.

Carl Williamson from environmental health and Heidi Tudor from the print room at the North Devon Council offices in Barnstaple took part in a sky dive to raise money for the North Devon Chemotherapy Appeal.

The duo took to the skies from an airfield in Dunkeswell near Exeter and flew up to 15,000 feet before freefalling back down to earth.

The jump was particularly poignant for Carl who is recovering from bowel cancer. He says: "This was my way of saying thank you to all of those who helped me with my battle against cancer.

"I must admit it was the most scary thing I have ever done but once out of the plane it was fantastic. We could see both the North Devon and South Devon coastlines and Taunton could fit on my thumb nail."

Heidi says: "It was the most exciting thing I have ever done. When I landed I ran straight over to Carl and gave him a big hug - we were buzzing! And to have raised so much money for a charity so dear to our hearts is an amazing feeling."

Heidi and Carl were joined on their jump by 16-year-old Kieran Gale whose mum Helen works in the council's print room with Heidi.

So far, Carl, Heidi and Kieran have raised £2,000 between them. Carl is hoping to do the jump again next year and is looking for fellow volunteers. If you would be interested in joining him, please contact him on the following email: carl.williamson@northdevon.gov.uk.