JAMES Lord, 16, from Weydon School took the plunge for Asthma UK by participating in a sponsored parachute jump alongside his mother.

His younger brother, Monty, has benefited greatly from the charity’s asthma plans and from its advice, and James thought this would be a great way to show his appreciation, and help fund further research into the respiratory condition.

His mum, Helen, who also did the jump, said: “Monty’s asthma is well controlled at the moment but we’ve had some difficult moments. We’re hugely grateful to previous fundraisers and sponsors who have funded better research into this life-threatening condition.

“I was amazed that James was so keen to do the jump, he’s unfazed by heights while I don’t even like driving over the Dartford Bridge. He loved every minute of it, there’s no feeling like it, the free-fall bit is amazing.

“We’ve raised over £900 for Asthma UK from our lovely friends and family. People from all over the world have donated from the US to Hong Kong to New Zealand although of course the bulk of it has come from very generous friends in Farnham.

“Many of James’ Weydon friends have supported him too. He now wants to jump again when his brother turns 16 – they told us that asthma is no obstacle to parachuting so they can’t wait.

“I got horrible motion sickness so won’t jump again although it was an incredible experience and I still can’t believe I didn’t try and cling onto the aircraft.”

To support James and Helen visit their fundraising page at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/lordies.