Gerald Lewis-Azayaer makes a habit of doing crazy things. He has jumped out of a plane three times; run more than 20 marathons and 11 ultra marathons, and walked the length of Britain - twice.

Now the 62-year-old is getting ready for his next feat - a 12,000 ft tandem jump - his highest one yet. The South African is doing the challenge with the The Princess of Wales Royal Regiment to raise money for three charities; The Lauren Page Trust, which helps support premature babies; UK-based International Teams, which supports homeless children abroad; and The Good Shepherd Project, which helps underprivileged children in Brazil.

A former fireman, Mr Lewis-Azayaer (pictured bottom) will be doing the jump on March 1 in Kent. He tells People: "People think it's a crazy thing to do but it's safer to jump out of a plane than it is to walk in the street.

"It is my way of giving something back to society."

He moved to the UK in 1996 and has spent the past few years working in security. Home is in Chingford, Essex, and he is a member of Woodford Progressive Synagogue.