CLUTCHING a lucky mascot and conquering his fear of heights, Paul Tarling completed a tandem skydive in memory of his dad.

“I actually really enjoyed the experience,” said a surprised Paul(47), of Petersfield, after the daring feat from 13,000 feet at Hinton Airfield.

With his niece’s soft toy Puddles, he was taking the challenge with 16 others, raising cash for bone marrow cancer Myeloma UK.

He was delighted to make more than £5,700 with funds still coming in.

Paul’s father Graham, a stalwart of Petersfield Football Club, died of the condition three years ago next month.

After seeing what he went through, Paul vowed to raise awareness and cash to help other sufferers.

In fact, now is a poignant time for this, with a government announcement two weeks ago that two drugs for treating relapsed myeloma patients will no longer be funded by the NHS.

“It is now even more important that people help with fundraising so vital research can find a cure for this horrible disease,” he said.

Paul has thanked his supporters, and businesses which have helped him including Goals, Findlay’s, Costa, Petaprint and John Peters Hair.