Businessman Scott Wringley takes on 20 challenges to raise £20,000 for Newark Children’s Bereavement Centre

A businessman with a fear of heights is set to leap out of a plane as part of a quest to raise £20,000 to support families who suffer the loss of a child.

Scott Wringley, of Wringleprint, will be running 20 miles from Newark to Langar Airfield to jump off a plane at 14,000 feet — before running home again — on July 7.

He started his mission to raise £20,000 for Newark Children’s Bereavement Centre last year, aiming to complete 20 challenges in recognition of the charity’s 20 years of service.

He set up a JustGiving page last year and managed to raise just over £9,000 with his former challenges, but the hope is that he will achieve his target this year.

People can donate at https://justgiving.com/fundraising/cbc20420.

“This is going to be a really tough one. Not only do I have to coordinate the run with the scheduled flight for the skydive, I have to fuel properly and not let my legs seize up for the 20 mile run back to Newark.

“Those who know me are aware I do not like heights, so this is really pushing me out of my comfort zone.

“There are lots of variables that can happen as well with this challenge, I am worried about the weather. If it’s too cloudy, windy or raining I can complete the 40-mile run but I won’t be able to do the skydive.

“I’m hoping that people support me with this challenge so I can get enough donations to reach my £20,000.”

This year’s challenges include two back-to-back 50K ultras at the Ultra Tour Arran at The Isle of Arran in April; The Wall Carlisle to Newcastle which is a 115K ultra marathon in June; the skydive in July and, in September, the Snowdonia National Park 100 mile ultramarathon.

Last year’s efforts included 10K runs, half-marathons, marathons and ultramarathons, virtual runs and other long-distance runs - including a race in New York City.

Gareth Thomas, managing director at Skydive Langar, said: “It is very humbling to see the number and range of people who skydive here at Langar to raise money for funds close to their hearts and Scott’s story goes even further.

“He is doing so much to raise money and we’re looking forward to welcoming him to Skydive Langar and giving him a really fun skydive experience, and to meeting his many supporters who will be here cheering him on.”