A FORMER Magpas volunteer will leap out of a plane at 15,000ft to help ensure the lifesaving charity continues.

Jamie Ward, 24, from Town Street, Upwell, became a community first responder with his twin brother Daryl almost five years ago.

The pair signed up after Daryl collapsed with concussion at their former Lakes End home, near Welney, following a horse riding accident. They faced an agonising one-hour wait for an ambulance to arrive.

Jamie said: “My mum’s fear was he’d died. I was in the room, and it was a truly horrible experience.

“The ambulance seemed to take ages and ages to get there and that’s the harsh reality of living in a rural area. We didn’t want anyone else to go through that experience so we joined Magpas to give something back to our community.

“We’ve come across some distressing things but I know we saved lives and Magpas still continue to do just that.”

The pair now work for private ambulance firms but Jamie admits he wants to help the charity which remains “close to his family’s heart”.

He will complete the parachute jump at Sibson Airfield in Peterborough on June 25 and has paid the �200 cost of the jump himself. All monies raised will go towards Magpas.

Jamie said: “Heights don’t bother me but I’ve never had the bottle to sort out a jump. It’s great that I can finally do one while raising money for Magpas at the same time.

“I’d love everybody - including businesses - to back me. Magpas and the Helimedix team save lives, it’s as simple as that.”

• To sponsor Jamie call 01945 773088 or e-mail jamieward24@gmail.com