THE son of well-known and popular Brixham fisherman John Sanders, who died last year, is planning a sponsored skydive in aid of Rowcroft Hospice.

John Sanders, known as The Colonel, died of cancer aged 51 in September 2009.

A year to the day he died, son John, 30, is planning to jump out of the sky in memory of his dad.

He will be joined by his sister Rebecca's partner Jamie Marler, 27, who is also undertaking the daring feat at Dunkeswell Air Field on Saturday.

Rebecca said: "They had two dates available for the jump and the one in September was the anniversary of Dad's death, which was quite poignant.

"They saw the jump to raise money for Rowcroft advertised in the Herald Express and they thought they would have a go at it.

"They've never done it before and they're both very nervous.

"Dad's death is still very raw and for them to do this on the day of his anniversary is something we can do as a family to mark the occasion.

"It gives us all something to think about, rather than just the fact that he's gone.

"It's also a way of thanking Rowcroft Hospice who looked after Dad at home. They sorted out little things like putting a handrail on the stairs for him.

"They worked with his doctors and consultants and they were really, really helpful.

"They were there for everyone, the whole family, not just Dad, and they were fantastic."

John, who lives and works at his mum Angela's pub, The Queens Arms in Station Hill, and Jamie, a taxi driver for Ace Taxis, must raise at least £395 each to do the tandem skydive.

Some of the money has been generously donated by pub regulars who have been putting money in a jar over the past few months.

Rebecca said: "People have been putting in fivers and tenners, there's even a £50 note at the bottom of the jar. They've all been really, really generous.

"We are going to have a raffle to guess how much money is in the jar and the winner will get half and the rest will be donated to Rowcroft."

To sponsor the pair, either pop into the pub or visit Ace Taxis in Union Lane, or visit www.rowcrofthos pice.org.uk/how-can-you-help/make-a-donation.