‘They were there for him’: Thetford pair set to skydive for East Anglian Air Ambulance in honour of Diss resident Roger

A Diss man who loved to make people laugh is to be remembered with a charity skydive in his honour by a pair of Thetford men that knew him very well.

Roger Foulger, who was originally from Thetford but had lived in Diss for about 20 years, died at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital on April 14, having collapsed at his Riverside Maltings home.

Now son-in-law Chris Jones, along with Roger’s niece’s husband, Alan Grierson, will jump out of a plane at 13,000ft above Beccles Airfield in aid of the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

Explaining how the idea came about, Chris said “After Roger’s funeral, Alan messaged me and asked if I fancied doing a skydive in memory of Roger.

“The EAAA attended to Roger and, though they were not able to take him to hospital, as he was not stable enough, they were there for him.

“It is such an incredible charity which does vital work for the area, relying on donations to keep it going – so we thought it was the perfect opportunity to give back to them as a thank you and to honour Roger.”

Asked how he would describe the 61-year-old self-employed property maintenance man to people who did not know him, Chris said: “He was a devoted family man, who loved to make people laugh.

“We just want to thank everyone who donates to us, whether it is a big amount or small. It is all welcomed as it is a wonderful cause.

“I appreciate it is a tough time at the moment so the fact people can spare anything is really appreciated.”

To donate to the skydive, click here.

Roger leaves behind his partner, Glynis, daughters Claire and Emma, step-children Dominic and Heidi and eight grandchildren.