Spencer's death-defying leap for heroes

Buy photos » Spencer Hogg leaps from the Istanbul Spire, Turkey’s tallest building. (s)

A FEARLESS soldier defied gravity in a bid to raise awareness for The Royal British Legion.

Warrant Officer Class One Spencer Hogg, from Bredon, took part in the Pro BASE World Cup which involved freefalling from Turkey's tallest building, the Istanbul Sapphire, before opening his parachute at the last safe moment.

The 43-year-old, who left the Army three weeks ago after 24 years service, dominated the competition throughout and took the silver medal, just centimetres behind the winner Miles Daisher, a professional athlete from the USA. He narrowly beat his team mate, Major Alastair Macartney who took bronze.

The highly experienced pair have 10,000 parachute jumps between them and form part of Jump4Heroes - The Royal British Legion Extreme Human Flight.

The weather forced the 49 jumpers from 16 different countries to leap in the most difficult conditions dodging thunderstorms and howling winds.

"Leaping from the Istanbul Sapphire as part of Jump4Heroes to raise awareness for The Royal British Legion was a huge honour," Mr Hogg said.

"Landing safely was my primary aim. The winds were gusting and swirling making the BASE jumping hugely technical.

"I had to use every last bit of skill. My military experience enabled me to work under such pressure and the Poppy logo on my canopy was my incentive to get onto the podium."

Find out more about Jump4Heroes, The Royal British Legion Extreme Human Flight Team, by visiting their new website at www.Jump4Heroes.com

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