Published: September 8, 2008
East Huntspill man aims to break record for world's highest skydive

A former Commonwealth Games cyclist who lives in East Huntspill, near Burnham-On-Sea, is aiming to set a new record for the world's highest skydive.

Joby Ingram-Dodd has quit his job as a stockbroker to concentrate on the attempt, which will see him making a 150,000ft jump from a helium balloon, travelling close to speeds of 900mph, which will take him about 20 minutes to return to earth.

The 28-year-old, who competed in the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, said he misses the buzz of competing.

"I need to show myself that I can continue to excel at something and also inspire others," he said on Monday.

"A major inspiration, I must admit, was a thirst for action and adrenaline, something I had missed since I has stopped racing."

Joby is currently will begin parachute and high-altitude training later in the year, with the aim of beating the current record for the highest sky dive of 106,000ft which was set in 1960 by American colonel Joseph Kittinger.

The record attempt is being planned for next Spring in New Mexico in the United States and Joby is searching for sponsors to fund it. More details are available here.