A man from Weston-super-Mare has conquered his fear of heights to raise over £4,000 for the Stroke Association and Nailsea Stroke Survivors Club.

Wayne Ewing jumped out of a plane at 15,000ft at Dunkeswell Airfield, near Honiton, after he was inspired by his sister, Sarah Luxton, who had to give up her job as a primary school teacher after having a severe stroke aged 44.

He raised £2,375 for the Stroke Association and £1,825 for the Nailsea Stroke Survivors Club, which Sarah is a member of.

“It was awesome - absolutely amazing,” said Wayne.

“The day was nerve wrecking, but the moment it was my turn to go, I just thought of the reason why I decided to do the jump and the fear disappeared. Free falling was like floating on a cushion of air and then floating under the parachute was the most exhilarating and peaceful feeling I have ever experienced.

“Sarah has always been there for me through the good and bad times in my life and to see her in the hospital after her stroke and not be able to help her was heartbreaking.

“I’m thrilled that I’ve now been able to do something to support stroke survivors and help them rebuild their lives.”

The money was raised through sponsorship and fundraising events at Bradfords Building Supplies in Weston, where Wayne is general manager.

“I’m so grateful to everyone who sponsored me and given me courage to do this and especially to Bradfords who have been so supportive,” Wayne added.

Marvin White, relationship fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “We believe everyone deserves to live the best life they can after a stroke. We provide specialist support, fund critical research and campaign to make sure people affected by stroke get the very best care and support but that’s only possible thanks to the help of supporters like Wayne who literally took it to the limit!”

For more information about stroke and the support services for survivors and carers in Somerset visit www.stroke.org.uk or call the Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100.