The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, will jump out of an aeroplane today to raise money for the families of soldiers killed or injured in Afghanistan.
The Archbishop was one of the most prominent opponents of the war in Iraq, but the Archbishop believes that more should be done for all victims of war, including the soldiers themselves.
Dr Sentamu has never made a parachute jump before and has admitted that he has had butterflies in his stomach.
But he is determined to make what he calls a “leap of faith” – from Langar Airfield
Sentamu will leap from a plane at 12,500ft with the Parachute Regiment Red Devils display team from RAF Langer near Nottingham.
Generous sponsors from across the UK have so far raised thousands of pounds for the Afghanistan Trust – a charity formed to help support soldiers and their families who have served with 3rd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment in Afghanistan, and who have been wounded or killed as a consequence.
The Archbishop hopes to raise £50,000 through his “leap of faith”.
He will jump in tandem with businessman Guy Brudenell, who brought the plight of bereaved families to his attention at a special dinner.
Firstly they will fly by helicopter from Bishopthorpe Palace to RAF Langer where he will be given a full safety briefing prior to the leap.
The Archbishop of York said: “It’s not too late for people to sponsor me. The Afghanistan Trust is a worthy cause and we’d love to reach our total of £50,000. I’m very much looking forward to the jump although I must confess I get butterflies when I think about it! It should be a wonderful experience.”