DAREDEVIL fire commander Richard Dykes is planning a 13,000ft freefall skydive to celebrate nearly 30 years of active fire service duty.

Wisbech Standard: Richard Dykes will raise money for the Fire Fighters' Charity when he jumps from 13,000 feet.Richard Dykes will raise money for the Fire Fighters' Charity when he jumps from 13,000 feet. (Image: Archant)

Station Commander Dykes - who is the station commander responsible for Chatteris fire station and is a risk manager for Fenland - is taking on the challenge on Sunday August 4 to raise funds for The Fire Fighters Charity.

Grandfather-of-five Richard is taking the giant leap of faith not only to mark his own big milestone, but also to commemorate the 70th anniversary

of the charity.

The 52-year-old said: “I’ve been thinking about doing a tandem skydive for a long time, and I thought what better opportunity than to jump in celebration of 70 years of such a wonderful charity.

“The Fire Fighters Charity does good work for aging, injured and disabled firefighters and their families and it’s important to make sure these people get the treatment and healthy retirement like all others who have worked in the service.

“The charity points them the way and gives people support when they need it most and is extremely valuable to everyone in the service.”

Richard will be doing his skydive at Sibson Aerodrome. To sponsor him, log on to http://www.justgiving.com/Richard-Dykes.