Hospice supporters have their heads in the clouds!

A Daredevil businessman with a fear of heights was among a group of people who completed a skydive in aid of the hospice.

Ram Gupta, 44, Owner of Nybble IT in Mincing Lane, Blackburn, tested his limits to raise money for the cause.

He said: ““It was frightening, enjoyable, adventurous and exhilarating all in one. I had a real fear of heights, but maybe this has cured it. I would be lying if I said I had been looking forward to it – but I knew that it was for a great cause.

“I would never have volunteered for a skydive – but when you think about why you’re doing it and who it will benefit you find the energy and motivation.”

The father-of-two, whose business is taking part in this year’s East Lancashire Hospice Corporate Challenge, jumped from a plane at 15,000ft on Sunday – raising around £5,000 in sponsorship.

Ram was supposed to be joined by colleagues Jill Wells and Hamzah Adam - but both were unable to jump on the day.

“Taking part in the Corporate Challenge has really opened our eyes as to what the hospice does. As a business, we feel it is our duty to support such a worthwhile cause, which makes  such a difference in our community.

“The Corporate Challenge brings businesses together to raise money for a good cause. Regardless of who wins the challenge, the overall winner will be the hospice.”

The skydive seems to have awoken Ram’s adventurous side. He said he hasn’t ruled out another skydive and is considering taking part in the hospice’s Great Wall of China Trek next year.

Ram was joined on the day by 10 others, helping to raise money for the hospice – including the hospice’s new head of catering Lee Hyatt, and fundraiser Catherine Leech. But a further 12 others will make the jump, bringing the total number of daredevils to 22.

Catherine said: “The skydive is something that most of us haven’t done before, but we wanted to really challenge ourselves and push ourselves outside of our comfort zone.

“I think we are all quite nervous about it, but we know that all the sponsor money is going to a really good cause.”

Nybble has set itself a target of £10,000 for the Corporate Challenge, which ends in October.

Ram added: “We would like to thank our family, friends, associates and customers for their generous donations so far.”