By Saul Cooke-Black

A NAILSWORTH couple raised vital funds for a local blood cancer charity by staging a skydive jump and auction night.

Edward Mobbs, 31, from Bisley, chose The Leukaemia and Intensive Chemotherapy Fund (LINC) after his brother, Rafe Mobbs, passed away in 2001 from leukaemia.

He said: “I loved the skydive. I’ve done one before in New Zealand. It was great. I had forgotten just how good it was.

“I wanted to raise money for families going through the same ordeal.”

In a jam-packed day, the couple went over to Swindon airfield at 9am on April 18, where Edward completed a tandem skydive from 11,000 feet, raising nearly £2,000 for charity.

He was supported by Karen Organ, fundraising manager for LINC, which provides financial support for people receiving chemotherapy.

An auction and casino evening, organised by wife Sarah, was then held at Stroud Cricket Club.

Attended by over 100 guests, a further £7,000 was raised, with many trying their luck on the blackjack and roulette tables.

Auctioneers bagged themselves prizes including a holiday in Spain, VIP seats at Gloucester rugby club and spa days, while guests were entertained with live music from local singer James Murdock.

Sarah Mobbs, 26, said: “We are so pleased to have raised over £9,000. I had a target of £6,000 in my head and to get 150 per cent of that was beyond my wildest dreams.

“My best friend Alice Farley gave me amazing support with the casino evening.

“I know the charity will use the money well and make a huge difference to local lives as a result.”

Sarah’s dad Kevin Watkins said: “Sarah and Edward would like to thank all who attended, all who helped and all who donated.

“There was a real sense of charitable fun. They couldn’t be happier.”

Donations can still be made by visiting justgiving.com/EdwardMobbs.