Jumping out of a plane may not be everyone's idea of fun, but for staff who care for people with learning disabilities in Norfolk, it's all for a good cause.

Staff at the Broadland Clinic, based at Little Plumstead Hospital, run by Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT), will take part in a sponsored skydive on Sunday to raise money for the Cure Parkinson's Trust.

Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition, affecting around 127,000 people in the UK. It causes shaking, stiffness and reduced mobility and as yet, there is no cure.

The idea for the dive came from staff nurse Hannah Goode. She persuaded 17 of her colleagues to join her for the dive.

She said: 'I would like to say a big thank-you to all those who have already shown great support and I think it's so good to have such a wide variety of staff taking part, from healthcare assistants to consultant doctors.'

Those taking part in the dive have family members affected by Parkinson's, and nursing assistant Nigel Burrage was diagnosed with the condition over a year ago, after suffering shaking and muscle pain on the left side of his body.

He said: 'I suppose in some ways, it was a relief to finally get a diagnosis. I had symptoms for a long time which could have been any number of sinister things, so for me, Parkinson's was actually probably the best case scenario.'

Mr Burrage is now on medication to control his symptoms and has been able to continue working at Broadlands, with his managers working with him to accommodate his needs.

He said: 'I can't fault HPFT as an employer, everyone has been really supportive. I've been able to change my shift pattern so I can work more regular hours, as keeping a routine is really important.

'I've also been able to get the time off I need to go to medical appointments. I plan on grafting for a few years yet!'

The Broadland Clinic provides specialist intervention to people with mild, borderline learning disabilities who may also suffer from mental health problems or personality disorder.

To sponsor the budding skydivers, visit http://www.justgiving.com/owner-email/pleasesponsor/Hannah-Goode

Are you embarking on a challenge to raise money for charity? Tell us all about it by emailing localLife@archant.co.uk