Archbishop Sentamu takes 12,500ft parachute plunge for army veterans

Showing not a hint of nerves, he jumped 13,000ft to raise money for charity.

Dr Sentamu, 58, appeared to love every moment of the stunt with the Red Devils parachute team, smiling and making a V for victory sign as he hurtled towards the ground.

Daredevil: Dr John Sentamu takes the plunge to raise money for army veterans

Jumpers: The Archbishop of York was joined by Lance Corporal Lee Read (centre, top) of the Red Devils parachute display team and other Red Devil members

Dressed in a red jumpsuit, he was strapped to Lance Corporal Lee Read, a Parachute Regiment veteran. Dr Sentamu held hands with two other Red Devils during a brief display before the parachute opened at 5,000ft and he landed safely.

Clearly thrilled by the experience, the Archbishop was helped to his feet at RAF Langar near Nottingham. 'It was fantastic,' he said.

Leap of faith: Dr John Sentamu with a member of the Red Devils parachute display team

'When I was standing at the door I said, "This is it, it's the point of no return". It happened very quickly and then the man I was with started spinning around. It was absolutely exhilarating.'

Dr Sentamu agreed to do the jump after meeting businessman Guy Brudenell at a charity dinner.

Mr Brudenell, from Helmsley, North Yorkshire, told him about the sky dive he had planned to do for the Afghanistan Trust and was stunned when the church leader agreed to join him.

The pair hope to raise £50,000 for the charity, which supports the families of paratroopers from 3rd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, who have been wounded or killed while serving in Afghanistan.

Asked why he did the jump, Dr Sentamu said: 'It's important for citizens of this country to value those who risk their lives for the sake of this country, so I'm doing my part.'

Since he became Archbishop of York three years ago Dr Sentamu has made a big impression.

In December, he cut up his dog collar on TV and promised not to wear one again until Robert Mugabe was no longer in power in Zimbabwe.

'We were at 13,000ft and then we free-falled for 35 seconds.

'It happened very quickly and then the man I was with started spinning around. It was absolutely exhilarating.'

Dr Sentamu added:'It was such an experience. I thought to myself "Why have I taken so long to do this?"'

Before: Dr John Sentamu looks pensive as he prepares to board the plane

Sky high: The Archbishop makes his descent

The Archbishop of York agreed to do the jump after meeting 38-year-old businessman Guy Brudenell at a charity dinner. Mr Brudenell, from Helmsley, North Yorkshire, told Dr Sentamu about the sky dive he had planned to do alone for the Afghanistan Trust and was stunned when the archbishop agreed to join him.

An attempt to do the sky dive last month was cancelled because of bad weather.

Victory: Dr Senatamu smiled as he hurtled to the ground

After: All smiles after the jump

Dr Sentamu said he hoped that as well as reaching their target, the jump would raise awareness for the charity.

The members of the Red Devils team were clearly impressed by the senior clergyman's bravery and enthusiasm.

Major Nick Vischer, the officer commanding the Red Devils, said: 'It was really great. Dr Sentamu was up for it. He just wanted to give it 200%. He gave the thumbs up all the way down.'

Since he became Archbishop of York three years ago Dr Sentamu has made a big impression, speaking out on topics such as IVF and multi-culturalism. In December he cut up his dog collar on live television and promised not to wear the church symbol again until Robert Mugabe was no longer in power in Zimbabwe.

Prep: Dr Sentamu and the Red Devils get ready to board the aircraft before their flight