IT was third time lucky for two Stow fund-raisers who completed a parachute jump to buy

vital equipment for their town's surgery.

On Saturday Ed Simpson, aged 28, and Lesley Brown, 42, both completed their first jump

after two previous attempts were cancelled.

The first jump was put off at the last minute due to mechanical failure in the aeroplane and

the second jump was scuppered because the weather.

Ed, the manager of the Anne Willow Tea Shop, in the Square, where Lesley works, said that the difficult part of the challenge was yet to come.

"Doing the jump was fantastic, now we need to collect the sponsorship money," he said.

The proceeds will be used to buy Pulse Oximeters for Stow Surgery, which will help doctors diagnose asthma and hyperventilation by measuring oxygen levels in the blood.

"We have got to get the money in quickly because the surgery has ordered the equipment and it needs paying for," added Ed, who estimated that he and Lesley had raised about £4,000.

David Burke, secretary of the friends of Stow Surgery, said he was very grateful for the

efforts of the work colleagues.

"Jumping out of an aeroplane at 10,000ft is not something that everyone would be prepared to

do.

"They have achieved a tremendous amount of support in the community and have worked very hard, all credit to them."

Anyone with sponsorship outstanding for Ed or Lesley asked to pop into the teashop on The Square as soon as possible.