FRIENDS from two High Wycombe schools raised money for a selection of charities with a free-fall parachute jump.

Six John Hampden Grammar School pupils were joined by two girls from Wycombe High when they jumped from a plane at higher than 12,00ft.

The daring stunt, which was held on March 15 in Cambridgeshire, raised £2,500.

The eight youngsters fell for more 7,000ft before their tandem instructor pulled the ripcord.

The money will be split between five five charities – Cancer Research, Against Breast Cancer, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Sebastian Action Trust and Action Aid.

Tom Butler of Hillfield Close, Downley, was one of those who took to the air, raising money for Cancer Research He said: “It was a great experience. It was great that we could do it as a group and raise everything that we did.

“Everyone was slightly nervous at the start, but that nervousness just turned to excitement.”

Tom chose his charity in memory of his grandfather Eric Butler, who died of cancer last October.

Also taking part were Daria Kohls, Lenka Lovett, Ben Herbert, Sean Burnard, Oli Lam, Chris Newcombe and Simon Rushton.

The friends raised money through a variety of events, including school concerts and a Christmas play.

Tom's mother Kate said: “The school has been fantastic and really helped them raise the money.”