More than �10,000 has been raised by a daring group of skydivers in memory of a popular young man who tragically died in a car accident two months ago.

Friends and family of Sam Barnes took to the skies above Beccles Airfield on Saturday in a fitting tribute to the adventurous and sporty 24-year-old who had undertaken a similar jump in Australia earlier this year.

The money raised by the brave group, which included his mother Caroline, will be sent to Macmillan Cancer Support as Sam had himself completed sponsored triathlons in aid of cancer charities.

The Loughborough University graduate, from Shropham, near Attleborough, died on August 13 when the car he was driving hit a verge along the B1136 at Haddiscoe, near Great Yarmouth, and overturned.

The former Wymondham High School student, who was a keen snowboarder, runner, cyclist and hockey player, was due to start a career with Rolls Royce Aerospace in Derby.

Sam's father Andrew said: 'He did a jump in Australia which terrified him. He had a real wicked sense of humour and was keen for his friends to share his experience and today they have all stepped up to the mark.

'For us, it means an awful lot that people are willing to make this effort at this time.'

Caroline said she had made a special trip to lay flowers at the crash site before making her jump.

'It is emotional but all his friends are here. He was such a popular lad and they were all keen to do it to remember Sam. He was so full of life,' she added.

Two of Sam's school friends Hannah Coulson, 22, and Rebecca Riddoch, 22, said many did not hesitate putting their names down for the fundraising challenge.

Rebecca said: 'I think we were all pretty much in the same mind set. It couldn't be just a normal fundraising thing. We wanted to do something quite adventurous and a challenge - especially as it was for Sam.'

Cheering on the skydivers was Helen Chapman, area fundraising manager for Macmillan Cancer Support, who said �10,000 would fund a Macmillan nurse for more than a month.

She added: 'It's fantastic to see so many people here. Of course I'm sure we wish we were not here doing this and Sam was still here, but it's very nice for them to support Macmillan in his memory.'

Those who took part in the skydive were Caroline Barnes, Abi Bailey, Andrea Pykerman, Hannah Coulson, James Blake, June Kendall, Liz Shaw, Lucy Banham, Michael Farrow, Oliver Cooke, Ollie Keeler, Phil Harris, Rachel Burt, Rebecca Riddoch, Robin Shute, Tom Banham, and Tom Skelhon.

To increase their fundraising total, visit www.justgiving.com/teams/sam-barnes