THE County Gazette’s Mike Bird is becoming a devil for a day as he soars to new heights with a fundraising parachute jump in aid of the SURE appeal.

Mike, 23, who works in the paper’s advertising department, will be one of the fundraisers joining the spectacular Red Devils parachute display team at Dunkeswell Airfield, on the Blackdown Hills from June 23-25.

The Army’s famous daredevils are offering fundraisers the chance to carry out a tandem skydive with the team and are taking off from Dunkeswell for the first time.

The County Gazette-backed Somerset Unit for Radiotherapy Equipment appeal is raising money to equip the new Beacon cancer centre at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton.

Mike said: “I’ve always wanted to do a parachute jump. My aunt Midge Greedy had cancer so SURE is a cause that’s special to me.”

Adrian Wibrew, of Click and Jump, which is arranging the jumps, said: “The Red Devils will be all fired up to deliver this incredible insight into what is one of the most prestigious jobs in today’s British Forces.

“All the charities ask is for each jumper to raise a minimum sponsorship amount – this will cover the cost of the jump with your chosen cause receiving the balance of the funds raised.

“Go on, be a devil for a day!”

The day involves an introduction to the team followed by 30 minutes of ground training. Then, from an altitude of 15,000 feet jumpers exit the aircraft attached to a qualified Red Devils Tandem instructor for 50 seconds freefall and then a canopy ride to the ground.

To sponsor Mike, and for details of signing up for a jump, click on the Related Links on this page.

You can also call Mike on 07709-142805. For jump details you can also call 0800-3457468 or e-mail info@clickandjump.co.uk