A MAN whose wife was cared for by Farleigh Hospice has helped kick off the appeal with a daredevil skydive.

Graham Webb, from Mayland, lost wife Tracey two years ago and says his family will be "forever in their debt".

Now he has raised more than £1,000 for Farleigh after an eye-watering tandem parachute jump for the charity.

Graham said: "Doing a skydive is out of character for me.

"I just wasn’t scared. I think in part this is due to losing my wife two years ago.

"My wife Tracey was cared for by Farleigh Hospice. She had a number of conditions including, cancer, diabetes, MS, and lupus.

"Tracey was in Broomfield Hospital when the ladies from Farleigh came over to see her and arranged for her to be transferred to the hospice.

"I have never experienced such kindness and care in all my life. We will forever be in their debt.

"That is why I wanted to raise money for Farleigh. I know Farleigh’s shops were shut during the lockdown, and events have been cancelled due to the virus. I wanted to do something to help."

Graham says the skydive, at Beccles Airfield in Norfolk, was "amazing".

"It was the best thing I have ever done," he said.

"When we arrived, we were welcomed by our instructor, and due to the current situation had our temperature checked.

"Then we had our briefing and put on our harnesses. The instructors explained what was happening every step of the way - I couldn’t fault them.

"When I got into the plane, I felt fine.

"I thought I would be scared and frightened, but I was completely at ease. My family were more worried than I was.

"When the doors opened and we were preparing to jump, I looked out and the views were amazing.

"The freefall was over so quickly, and once the parachute opened my instructor told me all about the local area - we were chatting away.

"My only complaint was it was over too quickly. As soon as we landed, I wanted to do it again.

"I am already considering a wing walk for next year."

Daughter Nicola and grandson Ryan have also been baking cakes for Farleigh throughout the pandemic and have raised more than £750.