THE sky is the limit for a Rossendale businessman inspired to raise money for cystic fibrosis by the only serving UK police officer with the condition.

Nigel Barker, 44, of Burnley Road, Weir, will attempt a free fall parachute jump from 15,000ft on May 28 alongside his close friend Sam Norman who suffers from the condition.

The pair who have never jumped before will have to pull their own parachute chords, something usually only done by experienced skydivers.

Nigel, who is a director at Dennons Office Supplies in Haslingden, hopes to raise £1,500.

Blackburn-born Sam, 25, is thought to be the only serving police officer with the condition.

The former Clitheroe Royal Grammar student was only diagnosed when he turned 20.

Cystic fibrosis affects all the internal organs, clogging them with thick sticky mucus marking it hard to breathe and digest food.

Around half of the people with the condition are only expected to live to 38. However, Sam is not a severe sufferer and can still carry out out his frontline role.

Sam said: “I am now fit and healthy and take medication and inhalers to control the condition.

“I started working for Greater Manchester Police in 2007 and as far as myself and the doctors know I am the only police officer in the country with the condition so am very fortunate.”

Nigel, a father-of-two, said: “Sam is lucky as he can still have a normal life but some sufferers can barely walk up the stairs.

“As the jump gets closer I am getting more nervous. Last night I dreamt I jumped out of a plane without a parachute.”

To make a donation visit www.justgiving.co.uk/thebigdive