FIFTEEN years ago, Archbishop of York was preparing to jump out of a plane with the Red Devils parachute display team to raise money for the families of soldiers killed or injured in Afghanistan.

The Most Reverend Dr John Sentamu was set to jump from 12,500ft at RAF Langer, near Nottingham, in aid of the Afghanistan Trust.

He was making a practice jump in April 2008.

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He said: "The armed services and their families in this country make enormous sacrifices on our behalf. There are regiments in Yorkshire and across the country who are making a huge contribution in helping to rebuild Afghanistan and to defeat the Taliban."

"Unfortunately, many of the families who have lost loved ones in the conflict are not being given enough financial support and, for those who return home as wounded heroes, the support can be a long time coming and then not nearly enough.

"My prayers have been with the brave men and women who do this dangerous, but vital, work in our name, but I also wanted to do something more to help.

''I hope to raise at least £50,000.'' He planned to jump in tandem with businessman Guy Brudenell, who lived in the Helmsley area of North Yorkshire.

Mr Brudenell said he became involved in the Afghanistan Trust following the death of Corporal Bryan Budd, of 3 Para, from Ripon, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery.

A pensioner ended up in hospital with a broken wrist after trying to stop a rocket shot from Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

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Middlesbrough supporter Fred Harrison, 68, from the West Park area of Hartlepool, was at the Riverside Stadium in April 2008 for his team's Premier League clash with leaders United.

Sitting only three rows from the front in the stadium's North Stand, Mr Harrison had to show quick reactions when a miscued strike from the Portuguese winger in the opening minutes of the game headed straight towards him.

The former Hartlepool Borough Council worker pulled off a save which Boro goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer would have been proud of – but broke his wrist in the process.