David Clarke, Vicky Hook and Dennis Foreman, members of Rosedale Funeral Home’s support group, to skydive at Beccles Airfield for charity

Three members of a bereavement support group are set to strap on parachutes and take on a tandem skydive this weekend in memory of their loved ones.

David Clarke, Vicky Hook and Dennis Foreman will be taking the leap from around 13,000ft at Beccles Airfield as part of EACH’s sponsored parachute jump today.

The idea first came about whilst attending one of Rosedale Funeral Home’s monthly groups, which are held at Shelfanger Hall, near Diss.

Through attending the bereavement group then the follow-on friendship group, the trio have become good friends and were inspired to sign up a few months later.

Mr Clarke, from Roydon, said: “Last year I suggested to the other two that we do a skydive for charity and then, earlier this year, I saw an advert come up on Facebook for EACH’s skydive.

“After talking to them, Dennis and Vicky thought about it, decided it was a good idea to raise money for charities that were close to their hearts and joined up with me.”

The 75-year-old used to be in the 1070 Diss Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets when he was younger and has always wanted to do a parachute jump since he was a teenager.

“I saw this as the perfect opportunity to finally get a chance to do it,” he said.

He will be doing it in memory of his wife Valerie, who he was married to for 30 years, as this was her favourite charity.

“It is such a worthwhile charity which does such a good job,” said Mr Clarke. “I have raised hundreds already and I want to thank everyone who has donated.”

Mr Foreman, from Diss, said after his fellow parachutist mentioned it he thought it was a great idea.

“At first it was more bravado about doing it, when David said about it at the meeting, but I want to do it for the British Heart Foundation as my wife, Pearl, died from a heart condition,” he said.

“I thought I would see if I could get sponsorship and have about £600, which is great.”

The 74-year-old said the group really helps people socialise and bond with those who are going through similar things.

He added: “Some of us meet outside the group. I have been on holiday with some and it really helps you connect with others who are in the same boat.”

Ms Hook, 52, from Roydon, has raised more than £1,100 and will be jumping tomorrow in support of Macmillan Cancer Support as they cared for her father, who died in 2022

“I am scared of heights, but when David said about doing it for my dad, I said I was in,” she said.

“Macmillan were so fantastic with me, my two sisters and dad, so I just wanted to do this for him and them and I thank everyone for donating to help them with the great work that they do.

“When you are grieving you don’t really push yourself and this group has totally changed my life. I know when I have done the jump I will feel elated and it may even give me a bit of closure.”