DARREN Whaite will take a leap of faith when as he raises cash for the upkeep of a Darwen playing field.

Mr Whaite, of Bedford Street, has signed up for the Darwen Extreme Bungee Event on Saturday, and has agreed to raise cash for the Friends of Square Meadow.

The 39-year-old works at his mum’s pub, The Punch Bowl at Pothouse, in Pothouse Lane, and it was licensee Jean Powell who helped coerce him into taking the plunge.

Mr Whaite said: “Harry from the friends group and my mum ganged up on me and I had my arm twisted a bit.

“It is for a local cause so I wanted to help out.

“I have a nine-year-old son, Declan, who can benefit from things like the Square Meadow so it is important they get the support.

“I am nervous about it and come the day I will be shaking.

“I have never done anything like this before. I have never even been on a plane so I am reaching new heights.”

Mr Whaite said regulars at the pub had been supportive and so far he had raised £547, with more coming in.

Mum Jean said: “I think he is a brave lad and I will go to support him but I don’t think I will be able to watch!”

Friends of Square Meadow chairman Harry Blackwell said: “I am very grateful to the Punch Bowl at Pothouse for its support.

“Everyone tells me how good it is to see young children taking part in football training sessions once again at Square Meadow on Saturday mornings.

“The campaign to save the field from future building development was long and hard. Now we need to maintain that legacy.

“A very small number of loyal volunteers are currently helping the cause.

“Any further assistance would be very much appreciated as many hands make light work.”

To take part in the bungee jump, organised by Darwen Town Council, email peter.hollings@blackburn.gov.uk