The headteacher of Llanidloes High School has conquered his fear of heights to raise £5,000 by jumping out of a plane from 10,000 feet.

Daniel Owen performed the feat in Swansea last week, after several delays due to weather, to help raise money towards a new Pupil Support ‘Cymorth’ Centre and an extension of the school’s Autistic Spectrum Centre.

“Plunging towards the earth at 125mph whilst hoping the bit of cloth attached to someone else’s back would hold our joint weight wasn’t exactly my idea of fun,” Mr Owen said.

“Having said that, the views of the Gower peninsula from three miles up are truly breathtaking. More importantly, we’ve really kick-started our fundraising efforts.

“Our wonderful Friends of Llanidloes High School – who organised the skydive – have been amazed and humbled by the generosity of members of our marvellous local community.

“Local businesses, charitable organisations and pupils have pulled together to help us meet the needs of some the most amazing, wonderful children you could ever wish to meet. We are truly thankful.”

Friends of Llanidloes High School said: “We have such a large fundraising target that we knew it had to be something big to get us kick-started.

“When we suggested to Mr Owen that he throw himself out of a plane, we didn’t really think he would say yes, but we have been amazed by his commitment to the school."

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