MARCH and District Branch of the Parkinson’s Disease Society have raised �12,000 after two tandem parachute jumps were completed by high-flying fundraisers.

Tony Westwood completed the jump with prison officers from Whitemoor last year before Pam Bottom, her daughter Jane and granddaughter Roma, took the leap of faith to boost the amount that was initially raised.

The group will be donating the sum towards research teams as the search continues to find a cure for the debilitating disease.

Bill O’Connor, chairman, said: “I’m extremely proud of those who completed the jump because I think they’re really brave.

“I’d also like to thank the local community for their tremendous generosity and support in helping us raise such a terrific amount.

“The money can greatly benefit those who suffer with the disease and the carers who do so much to help them. “Our branch has been running for seven or eight years now and we’ve gone from having just four people involved to more than 140. We’re doing things in the right way.”

Meetings are held at the Braza Club, March, on the first Wednesday of every month.