Former farmer Don Powell has always been ready to take on a challenge, especially if it is in a good cause.

Over the years he has walked the Sahara to raise funds for Macmillan and he organised an articulated lorry load of food for a Romanian orphanage. But now, in his 70s, when most men are looking forward to relaxing, Don has decided to raise funds for Help for Heroes by completing a skydive.

Having served in the forces himself between 1957 and 1964, Don is very sympathetic to the plight of those members of the armed forces who are injured. During his own career in the services he completed a few jumps at Aldershot. He describes himself as an adrenaline junkie so when he was looking for a way to raise money for Help for Heroes he decided to renew his knowledge of parachuting.

For the full story please see this week's Ross Gazette.