CHEEKY Mark Haslett stayed true to his word by bungee jumping naked from 200ft.
The pub landlord pledged to make a daredevil leap in his birthday suit if it would help to raise more than £500 for the armed forces charity Help For Heroes.
When friends and regulars at the 46-year-old’s pub dug deep to collect £733 for the good cause, he was left with no room for any excuses.
So on Saturday, Mr Haslett leaped from a cage suspended by a crane high above the car park of his pub, the Carpenters Arms, in Appleford, near Didcot.
His daredevil stunt was cheered by a crowd of villagers, who had gathered to see whether he would be true to his word.
Mr Haslett, who covered his modesty in a camouflage jacket and a Chelsea Football Club towel until moments before he leaped from the crane, said: “It was frightening and nerve- racking.
“I didn’t realise how far up it was. It was windy and cold up there.
“I didn’t realise I would see so much countryside and I didn’t think about being naked.
He added: “I’m glad I did it and I would definitely do it again, although I’m never going to live this down.
“You could call it liberating. I just hope everyone enjoyed it.”
Decorated war veteran Alfie Green, of Main Road, Appleford, wore his medals to support his local landlord.
The 85-year-old served in the Army for 27 years, including in the Korean War, as a sergeant in the Royal Army Service Corps.
He said: “He’s doing it for a serious cause.
“I would do it if I could, but not naked.
“I’m proud of what I’ve got and I keep it to myself.”
Andy Helby, of Main Road, Appleford, has been drinking in the pub for 35 years.
He said: “We’re extremely proud of Mark. But my wife fled to Wales when she heard about it.”
Father-of-three David Piper, 36, of Main Road, Appleford, said: “I think he’s mad.
“I wouldn’t do it but it’s nice to see half the village out together.”
- To find out more about the charity and how to donate to its work, see helpforheroes.org.uk
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