Naked Shropshire skydiver nets bonus charity cash

Mr Cope made the naked jump over Tilstock Airfield, near Whitchurch, to raise funds for Donna Louise Children's Hospice.

He made the leap in the buff to mark his 100th skydive since he took up the hobby last year.

Donations have come in from across the world after news of his nude jump spread thanks to a video of the jump on his charity website.

The 24-year-old council worker was originally planning to do the jump in his boxer shorts, but decided to give his friends and family an extra reason to pledge funds.

And the move certainly worked after Mr Cope smashed his initial £500 by target by raising more than £2,860.

Now he is hoping one last fundraising boost will take the total up to £3,000 with the money set to be spent on a new playground.

Mr Cope has become hooked on skydiving and takes on about six jumps over Fridays and Saturdays every week.

He said: "The skydive really was epic, it was the best experience of my life and even better than the first one.

"Once I had jumped the temperature was -10C (14F) but the adrenalin had kicked in so much that I really couldn't feel it.

"I had three people filming me and I felt a bit bad because I can't imagine that it is what they would want to be looking at.

"But it was just indescribable. It is impossible to say how good it was."

Mr Cope said it wasn't until the dive had finished he started getting some ill-effects.

He said: "About 10 minutes after the adrenalin had worn off and I just started uncontrollably shaking. I think my body had come to terms with what I'd done but it was definitely worth it."

The daredevil said he is "amazed" at the amount of money he has raised but would love to get just a bit more.

He said: "Contributions have come in from all over the UK, Europe and even as far as the USA, Canada and Australia.

"It's massively overwhelming. About £2,000 has come from people who I don't even know and I just can't get my head around it.

"I am so grateful.

"It's touching that not just friends and family, but complete strangers from several different countries would pledge so much," he added.

"The money raised will be used to build a playground for the children at the hospice.

"This will be specially adapted for their needs, allowing them to play and have fun in ways many of us take for granted.

"To raise £3,000 would make a real dent in that campaign and I'd love to that for a charity that is so remarkable."

Hannah Ward-Salt from Donna Louise Children's Hospice, which is based in Stoke-on-Trent, said: "Dan's naked skydive is going global with donations from around the world including Australia and America.

"People have been in touch from Finland right across to Florida and Brisbane.

"We are so thankful for every single contribution. The generosity has been amazing."

To sponsor Mr Cope visit www.virgin moneygiving.com/nakedskydive