A Dorset business leader who is terrified of heights is leaping out of an aeroplane at 10,000 feet to fundraise for a hospice nurse.

Ian Girling, Chief Executive of Dorset Chamber, will be facing his fears with the skydive in aid of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care.

He will be among the daredevils joining in the jump for the charity at Old Sarum Airfield in Salisbury on Saturday September 21.

Poole-based Lewis-Manning Hospice Care provides care for patients and their loved ones facing life-limiting illnesses across east Dorset, Purbeck and into west Hampshire.

Ian, who is taking part in the skydive to mark the chamber’s 75th anniversary this year, said: “I have been absolutely terrified of heights my whole life.

“This includes going up ladders, being near high edges and balconies. I get weak-kneed and suffer real anxiety and panic in these situations.

“When I was asked to take part, I realised it would be a great opportunity to face my biggest fears, as well as raise money for a vital local cause.

“Jumping out of a plane at 10,000 feet is the last thing I want to be doing but I am really up for this challenge.

“Lewis-Manning Hospice Care provides incredible for support for people with life-limiting illnesses and their loved ones.

“Its nurses do such an amazing job and work so incredibly hard. They need our help and I am proud to support them as much as I can, to allow them to continue delivering such extraordinary care.”

The hospice is appealing for more local people to join Ian and Jump for a Nurse by signing up and taking part in the skydive.

Each jumper will be taking the plunge to raise vital funds for a specific nurse. Ian’s nurse is Ellie Suthers, Senior Staff Nurse.

She was among the team to welcome Ian and some of his fellow jumpers for a ‘meet your nurse’ event at the hospice.

Ellie said: “It was a pleasure to meet Ian and talk about our very different careers.

“I am very grateful for his support for the charity and taking the time to come and see the team he is fundraising for.

“His support will enable us to continue providing extraordinary care for more patients across Dorset and Purbeck.”

Clare Gallie, chief executive of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, said: “We’re super proud of all our amazing team of skydivers signed up so far and incredibly grateful to have Ian on board too.

“His bravery is admirable and will have such a positive impact for our nurses and allow them to continue delivering extraordinary hospice care.

“We would love more people to join in with this exciting challenge and sign up via our website.”

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care needs to raise £3.9m this year to fund its local services, which are free to patients and their families.

• Visit https://lewis-manning.org.uk/skydive/ to sign up for the jump and https://www.justgiving.com/page/ian-girling-skydive to sponsor Ian.