We all know a plumber is usually not much of a ballet dancer, while a fine painter can’t be expected to be a great welder. But what about a skydiving priest..?

John Sentamu, who is the second most senior cleric in the Church of England, has participated in an extraordinary campaign to help raise money for the families of the British soldiers killed or wounded in Afghanistan. Uganda-born archbishop of York has jumped off an aero plane flying at 12,500 ft height together with the Red Devils skydiving team. After more than 7000 ft of free fall, the parachutes were opened. Sentamu, 58, labeled the 45 second experience as ‘fantastic’. The success came after the cancellation of the first attempt due to unsuitable weather.

And it all apparently started as a small talk joke. A local businessman Guy Brudenell offered to donate £50.000 to the charity if the priest does actually take the challenge. Very surprisingly to him, John Sentamu agreed.

As they say, be careful what you wish for. Small talk can sometimes lead into great actions. Fortunately the actions were ‘great’ in all the possible senses as they helped to get the money for those who really need it.

By The W