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Tunbridge Wells dad jumps from plane at Headcorn Airfield

A Tunbridge Wells father-of-one fell 12,000ft out of a plane for charity this week.

Fundraiser, Alex Cole, carried out the leap in aid of Barnardo's at Headcorn Aerodrome.

Four current and former colleagues joined the 33-year-old John Lewis manager to help the UK's most vulnerable children.

Watched on by his five-and-a-half year old daughter Ella, Mr Cole and his team held their nerve and made the jump.

This is his sixth challenge out of 12 planned over 12 months to raise as much money as possible for Barnardo’s.

He said: The team had the most amazing experience falling through the sky, all of us wanted to get straight back up and do it again. An amazing physical and mental experience and for such a great cause.”

In addition to his skydive, the self-confessed running addict has so far completed three half marathons a 12k mud obstacle race a 5k Spartan obstacle race and a triathlon.

His mission is to raise up to £12,000. So far his efforts have collected more than £3,000.

The father-of-one was inspired to help after seeing the vital work Barnardo’s does.

He said: “Understanding how John Lewis has backed Barnardo’s amazing work with children, really motivated me to push myself physically and raise as much money as possible.”

John Lewis has been supporting Barnardo’s since the retailer’s 150 anniversary celebrations in 2014, and has so fair raised a massive £639,000 for the charity.

Next on Mr Cole's fundraising list is an Everest Base Camp Trek in November and a Santa Run in December.

He is now asking other John Lewis colleagues to join him and help smash his £12,000 target by hosting their own fundraising events.

Barnardo’s chief executive, Javed Khan said: “It’s fundraisers like Alex that enable us to help those children and families who need it the most. We rely on their generous commitment, creativity and motivation. Barnardo’s will be cheering Alex along all the way and hoping he reaches his fundraising target.”

For a full calender of Mr Cole's events click here.

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