A team of 20 Network Rail staff traded in their train tickets for a plane ticket on Friday to raise £10,000 in aid of St. Thomas’ Lupus Trust.

Ely Standard: Chris Ellington - Filmed by Chris SearsChris Ellington - Filmed by Chris Sears (Image: Archant)

The employees were challenged to jump out of a plane at Sibson Airfield in Peterborough after one of their colleagues was diagnosed with lupus last August.

Lee Horwood, who took part in the skydive, said: “It didn´t quite seem like it was happening until I watched my friend hanging out the door of the plane.

“One moment he was there and then the next he dropped and was gone in an instant.”

Ely Standard: Chris Ellington - Filmed by Chris SearsChris Ellington - Filmed by Chris Sears (Image: Archant)

Another employee, Chris Ellington, said: “That was amazing.

“It was nothing like I thought it would be, but it really makes you feel alive.

“I just want to go up and do a second one now!”

Ely Standard: Chris Ellington - Filmed by Chris SearsChris Ellington - Filmed by Chris Sears (Image: Archant)

Originally the date of the jump was the 12th of August but after British weather played it´s part it had to be re-booked. Nevertheless our daredevils were not to be derailed by the weather and turned up at Sibson Airfield ready to go.

Rachel Swinnerton, who helped organise the event, said: “I thought it was awesome.

“I loved the freefall part and I´d do it again in a heartbeat.”

Ely Standard: Redek Wlazo and Rachel SwinnertonRedek Wlazo and Rachel Swinnerton (Image: Archant)

Four of the team are now looking to continue in the sport and get skydiving licenses.

The St. Thomas’ Lupus Trust is a registered charity dedicated to raising funds to support the work of the Lupus Research Team and the patient unit at St. Thomas Hospital.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Network-Rail-Ely-Depot or for more information about skydiving at Sibson Airfield visit www.skydivesibson.co.uk

Ely Standard: Shane Cole - Filmed by Justin OtpadaraShane Cole - Filmed by Justin Otpadara (Image: Archant)