Coleford Parish Council are looking to raise £25,000 towards the creation of a new BMX Pump Track at Highbury Playing Field in the village and to help achieve this, Councillor Tony Gurd is planning to jump out of a plane.

The Parish Council have been holding meetings with two track designers to get an idea of a suitable design to suit the needs of a wide range of BMX, scooter and skateboard users, as they want everyone to be able to benefit from the track, from the young children of Coleford to their parents and from the inexperienced to the professionals!

It’s hoped that the local quarries will be able to help with some of the materials to help keep the costs down and the Council are busy investigating potential funding sources and grants.

The project is expected to cost nearly £35,000 and the Parish Council have around £10,000 already, so fundraising will also play a major part in making this happen. There have already been kind offers from parishioners offering to hold a music event, a BBQ, a sponsored bike ride and Parish Councillor, Tony Gurd, retired sea-farer, father of two and grandad to four, has even offered to jump out of a plane at 13,000 feet to help raise funds!

Councillor Gurd said: “I am really passionate about this cause, it will make such a difference to young lives. The Council is committed to making this happen, but we now really need the support of the Coleford residents to get behind the project.”

Speaking on his Justgiving page for the skydive, Councillor Gurd said: “In case you are wondering, I am 68, (very nearly 69!), this will be the first time I have done this, I shall be jumping from 13,000 feet and the due date, weather permitting, is 5th August. Please donate to our cause, the parents and children of Coleford will be eternally grateful.”

You can donate at: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/charles-gurd You can also keep up to date with fundraising events and the progress made on the project by heading to Facebook and liking the page: Coleford BMX Pump Track Community Project.

Coleford Revival Group are also getting involved with fundraising for the project, for more information, head to Facebook and search: colefordcrg.

If you have any questions or would like to help to raise funds for this project, then please contact the Clerk on: 01749 880428.