CHEEKY Mark Haslett kept his word by bungee jumping naked from 200ft.
The Appleford pub landlord pledged to make a daredevil leap in his birthday suit if it managed to raise more than £500 for military charity Help For Heroes.
When friends of the 46-year-old landlord dug deep to collect £733 for the good cause, he was left with no excuses.
So last Saturday Mr Haslett made the jump in the car park of his pub, The Carpenters Arms, cheered on by crowds of regulars.
Mr Haslett modestly covered up in an army-style jacket and towel until moments before he leapt from the crane.
He said: “It was frightening and nerve-wracking. 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 for weeks and months.
“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 in his own daring manoeuvre. The 85-year-old veteran was in the army for 27 years, serving in the Korean War as a sergeant in the Royal Army Service Corps.
Mr Green said: “He is 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, who has been drinking in the pub for 35 years, said: “We are extremely pleased with Mark. My wife fled to Wales when she heard about it.”
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.”
l There is more information available about the aims and work of Help For Heroes on the website helpforheroes.org.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here