Skydiving postie in new leap for charity

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SUTTON BENGER’S infamous skydiving post master will be making his sixth leap of faith for charity at the age of 59 in September.

Peter Smith, who has been working for the post office for 25 years, will be skydiving for local lad Finn Macklin, who suffers with haemophilia.

The daredevil postie has made two leaps a year since he first decided to try skydiving three years ago after half a bottle of red wine.

Mr Smith said: “I like to do my jumps for less well-known charities.

“I can’t even pronounce the name of this one, so it just goes to show that it could use a bit of publicity. It’s nice to raise a bit of money towards such a wonderful cause.”

Finn, four, suffers with a rare form of the blood disease, which means his blood does not clot when he hurts himself.

Mum Sue is a full-time nurse to her son, giving him seven injections through his chest each morning, although Finn needs special attention from teachers in case he hurts himself.

Mr Smith, who has raised thousands for other good causes, admits he gets scared before making the leap.

“I don’t think I’ll ever lose that fear,” he said.

“But I have absolute confidence in the team in Swindon I make the jumps with. Besides, once you’re sitting on the edge of the plane and you’re strapped to someone else, you don’t have much of a choice. It’s great fun actually, and I think everyone should have a go at it once in their lives.”

The village’s only post master has to have a medical before making every jump as he is over 50.

He said: “People think I’ve got a couple of screws loose.

“I don’t even like climbing ladders. I first heard about the idea of skydiving on Heart radio when I was in a drunken stupor, and I signed myself up. Then I had a sudden moment of realisation where I thought, “I’m actually going to have to do this”. I’m glad I did and there’s no chance of me stopping now.”

Mr Smith is asking for donations to be given in person at the Sutton Benger post office at 26, the High Street.