BY DAY he runs one of Petersfield’s main schools but a popular headteacher is about to jump out of a plane from 10,000ft to help a charity in the town.

Tony Markham, who is headteacher at Herne Junior School off Love Lane, has taken up the skydive challenge to raise funds for FitzRoy, a charity which helps people with learning disabilities.

The thought of the 10,000ft freefall gives him butterflies, Mr Markham admits ahead of the jump on June 30, when he will be one of around 20 daredevils taking the plunge.

The chance to do the skydive in aid of FitzRoy came about at last September’s Butser Challenge, the annual fell run on the slopes of Butser Hill. A representative of the charity persuaded him to sign up for it.

However, anyone hoping to see the popular headteacher taking the plunge must make a donation to his Justgiving page, as he will only do the jump if his £1,000 fundraising target is met.

Mr Markham said: "When I think about the skydive I get butterflies in my stomach, especially as it gets closer.

"I hope that my campaign to throw your headteacher out of a plane appeals to everyone’s sense of fun.

"FitzRoy’s vision to help people with disabilities to live the life they choose is a great cause, and if my skydive gets people talking about the work they do then it will all have been well worth it." He believes the work carried out by organisations such as FitzRoy is crucial.

Herne Junior School supports children with special educational needs and disabilities and FitzRoy provides much needed support for them when they leave the education system.

FitzRoy uses donations to buy equipment which will help people with learning disabilities live the life they choose. For example, sensory rooms and gardens, adapted kitchens and iPads with special apps on them designed to help with communication.

To help Mr Markham reach his fundraising target make a donation on his Justgiving page at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hernejunior-fitzroy