TWO Keighley Rotarians have taken the plunge to raise money for charity.

Alan Hickman and Mike Baines both completed a 10,000ft tandem skydive at Bridlington.

The proceeds are being split between three causes – Rotary International’s bid to eradicate polio, Craven Pupil Referral Service and a Salvation Army campaign against modern day slavery.

So far about £1,500 has been raised, but donations are still being taken.

Mike, Keighley Rotary Club’s president elect, took on the challenge just a week-or-so after completing a gruelling length-of-Britain bike ride.

He achieved his aim of cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats – over 950 miles – in ten days.

That energy-draining challenge – which included 38,000 feet of ascents – has coined-in over £1,000 through an online fundraising page for Alzheimer’s UK and Project 6, a Keighley-based charity which provides services for individuals and families with drug and alcohol problems.

Alan, who is Skipton mayor, said he was glad to have completed the skydive – but admitted he probably would not want to do it again!

He said: “The man I was attached to asked me if I was nervous and when I responded that I was not he said ‘I am, so I will be nervous for both of us’!

“My mind told me that for the first mile of the descent, which was in freefall and lasted 30 seconds, I was plummeting at 32 feet per second.

“But there was almost zero sensation of motion. That came when the chute opened and I had pointed out to me the area round about – Flamborough Head, Filey with Scarborough beyond, Fylingdales, the North Yorkshire Moors and much more from a new perspective.”

Half the money raised will go to the Salvation Army campaign, 40 per cent to the anti-polio initiative and the remainder to the Craven Pupil Referral Service, his chosen mayoral charity.

Alan added: “I would like to thank all those who have contributed already, but the appeal will remain open – money can be given directly to me and left at Skipton Town Hall, or taken to Skipton Building Society.”