The annual ‘Teddy Bear Parachute Jump’ takes place this Saturday 14 June from the tower of St Michael’s Church in Brantham to raise vital funds for the church restoration and upkeep. Essex solicitors Thompson Smith & Puxon have stepped in with a donation to the church restoration fund and also by donating the £50 prize for the jump.

The teddy bears, complete with a home-made parachute, will float down to the ground with the teddy bear that descends the slowest declared the winner. All teddy bears have been collecting sponsorship, there are minimum and maximum weight restrictions and weigh in will start at 14.30 hrs at the church.

All money raised from the fete and the teddy bear parachute jump will be put towards the repair and maintenance of the church floor.

Thompson Smith & Puxon have become lifetime ‘Friends of St Michael’s Church’ following their donation. The scheme aims to raise money for the restoration and upkeep of the church.

Reverend Stephne van der Toorn of Brantham Church added:

“The teddy bear parachute competition has become a tradition, and this year the teddy bears have been training very seriously. There will be emergency assistance on hand in case of any mishaps! Money is desperately needed to repair and maintain the church, which is suffering from woodworm and dry rot, so the more the merrier. There will be lots of other stalls to browse too”.

Sean Stuttaford of Thompson Smith & Puxon commented:

“We are delighted to be able to help out St Michael’s Church, and to donate money so that the teddy bear parachute jump can go ahead, which has become a tradition for all those involved. The church is the centre of the community and is a big part of the lives of many residents, so it is very important it continues to be maintained”.

Everyone is welcome at St Michael’s Church teddy bear parachute drop which takes place at the church in Church Lane, Brantham.