A Sandbach grandfather and train driver reached for the skies when he did a charity skydive for an epilepsy charity.

Chris Tunney from Wheelock (pictured below left) jumped out of a plane at an airfield in Shropshire to raise money for the Jon Shaw Foundation for Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). Jon is pictured below.

The part-time train driver for Arriva Cross Country swapped the rail tracks for the sky and hopes to raise around £1,000 from his epic experience.

Regulars at his local pub, the Cheshire Cheese in Wheelock, have backed him all the way helping to boost his JustGiving fundraising page

The brave 62-year-old grandfather of two, is raising money in memory of one of his son's friends, Jon 'Smiles' Shaw who sadly died from SUDEP.

(Photo: Chris Tunney)

Jon, a former student at Sandbach School and a rugby player at Sandbach Rugby Club, was just nineteen years old when he died.

"My children knew Jon well and he was a lovely person who was always smiling, hence why he was called 'Smiles," said Chris.

"He'd got a good apprenticeship and had a good future ahead when he sadly died on a visit back home. It was an horrific loss.

(Photo: Chris Tunney)

"I've never done a skydive before so I thought I'd give it a go. The weather was fantastic and you could see all around to Telford, Shrewsbury, the Welsh hills and the Malvern Hills.

"It was a great experience and I'd do it again. It was great being in the freefall position."

Chris gets involved in other events for the charity, which supports young people with epilepsy by providing grants for equipment such as alarms, monitors and other safety aids. 

The charity also provides services and activities to improve the mental health of bereaved siblings and close friends including social events and face-to-face or group bereavement counselling.

(Photo: Chris Tunney)

If you would like to donate to Chris' charity skydive, follow the link here