AS the priest in charge of the Upper Itchen Benefice, his job presents a varied range of challenges.

So you might think that when Rev Graham Bowkett, a former soldier, jumped out of an aeroplane to raise money for local charities, he didn’t lose too much sleep over it.

But the 45-year-old father of two said: “I cannot pretend it was not terrifying. It’s possibly the single most stupid thing I’ve done in my life, but also the most exciting.”

Rev Bowkett said the idea just came to him out of the blue.

“I woke one morning and had a brainwave. But I booked it that morning so I couldn’t even back out then,” he said.

The skydive took place last Thursday (May 2). It was a tandem jump from 12,000 feet, taking off from Hinton Airfield in Oxfordshire.

“Being a priest I decided I couldn’t do it at Netheravon – the home of the Red Devils. Imagine the headlines if something went wrong!” he said.

Rev Bowkett, who has been based in Cheriton for nine months, said his parishioners have been very supportive and that his wife Tracy, although supportive too, was a little sceptical.

He said: “My wife just thinks I’m an idiot, but she’s used to it by now!”

Parishioner James Stanley, of Beauworth, said: “He’s settled in extremely well. I think everyone feels jolly good about him and we’re all enthusiastic.”

The reverend has so far raised an impressive £2,500 for three organisations: Help for Heroes, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Military Aid Fund, and the Upper Itchen Benefice.

To donate, contact Rev Bowkett at The Rectory, Cheriton.