A FORMER star of The Only Way Is Essex and Brentwood's favourite glamour model are inviting people to help them set a new world record by following the mayor of Brentwood out of a plane at 12,000 feet.
Harry Derbidge and Jodie Marsh are joining Councillor Ann Coe to launch Mayor in the Air, which is set to be one of the most extravagant fundraising events Brentwood has seen.
The trio are hoping that more than 100 thrill seekers will join them over three days in May to set a new world record for the number of people jumping out of plane with the borough mayor, while raising thousands for Councillor Coe's mayoral charities.
The skydivers will not all jump out of the plane at the same time. There will be a number of jumps over the three days.
The first 10 people to register, and who are prepared to help with organising several events at the Sugar Hut and other venues leading up to the challenge, will be able to jump for free.
Harry, 18, who owns Harry's World boutique in Ongar Road, said: "I've never done it before, but I've always wanted to skydive.
"So when I heard about the event I though how amazing that will be.
"It's for three amazing charities, so let's support and get involved."
It will be less of a novel experience for Miss Marsh, who has experienced three parachute jumps already.
The 34-year-old, who lives close to Cllr Coe in South Weald, said: "I've known Ann for years and she roped me into it.
"The times I've done skydives before were absolutely brilliant.
"I think everyone should experience it at least once.
"When you jump out of plane you feel absolutely invincible, and you feel like you can do anything."
The challenge will be no small feat for Councillor Coe, who, by her own admission is scared of flying and only flew for the first time 10 years ago.
During her mayoral year, she has been raising money for Crossroads Care, which helps carers and the people they support; Frontline Partnership, which supports people with learning disabilities; and the Alzheimer's Society, which works to improve the quality of life of people affected by dementia.
She said: "I'll be the first to jump out and then I want 100 people to follow behind me.
"It's quite a big thing for me, but compared to all the volunteers and workers who keep these charities going, it's just a small thing really.
"I don't want to just raise money, for my three charities, I want to raise the profile of them too and I'm sure people will find it a brilliant experience."
The record attempt has been lodged with Guinness World Records by organiser Dean Hatton.
He can be contacted to discuss either jumping with the mayor or to donate towards the jump fund.
The skydive is a tandem jump and all involved will be strapped to a skydive professional.
Mr Hatton said: "Mayor in the Air is an amazing window of opportunity for everyone to raise money and awareness for three amazing charities."
To register, to find out more about the challenge, or contact the organisers, go to www.mayorintheair.com
