A SKYDIVER from Puriton plunged 15,000ft out of a plane to raise funds for a local children’s charity.

Nigel Bowditch, 43, has raised £2,000 for Children’s Hospice South West after completing a skydive from 15,000ft with temperatures plummeting to -20 degrees Celsius.

The funds raised will help the charity care for more than 500 families across the South West of England, providing hospice care for children with life-limiting conditions and their whole family.

As procurement and specifications manager at Devonshire Homes, Nigel was keen to raise money for Children’s Hospice South West due to the charity being the local house builder’s partner charity of the year.

Mr Bowditch said: “This was my second skydive but it didn’t make me feel any less nervous. It was a fantastic experience though and the views from 15,000ft were just incredible.

"I was keen to fundraise for Children’s Hospice South West as it’s such a wonderful charity that relies on public donations. I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who donated.

"You’ve helped us smash our target and the money will go on to help over 500 families in the South West.”

This is the latest in a series of fundraising activities Devonshire Homes as undertaken this year for Children’s Hospice South West.

The house builder has donated £50 to the charity for every open-market sale during 2017 with the team also taking part in cycle challenges, fun runs and coffee mornings.

Jane Pearce, sales and marketing director at Devonshire Homes, said: “We’re all so proud of Nigel for taking the leap for our partner charity of the year, Children’s Hospice South West.

"As a company, we strive to help the communities in which we build in so the vital funds our customers and business partners help us raise will go on to help families in need.”

Nigel’s fundraising page is still live for anyone wishing to show their support. To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nigelbowditch.