When imagining an octogenarian celebrating a birthday, one would usually picture an evening out with the family or perhaps a low-key party at the local social club.

Eastern Daily Press: Peter Roach, 82, with his late wife, Cynthia. He is doing a sky dive in her memory. Picture: John CarterPeter Roach, 82, with his late wife, Cynthia. He is doing a sky dive in her memory. Picture: John Carter (Image: John Carter)

However, Peter Roach is taking a big leap in planning his 82nd birthday celebrations, while at the same time honouring his late wife Cynthia.

Mr Roach, of Brookwood Close in Worlingham, is marking his birthday by taking part in a daring skydive for Cancer Research UK.

Having lost his 83-year-old wife of 37 years to breast cancer in February, Mr Roach made the decision to take the plunge after watching his grandson do the same thing.

He said: 'When I was younger I was in the army, so I take life as it comes and this is something I decided to do quite some time ago.

'I'm always looking to try something new and I'm not in the least bit worried about it.

'My family have been very supportive, although my daughter has said I must be bonkers. However, they are very accepting of my decision to do it.'

Mr Roach is hoping to raise as much money as possible for the charity, as he looks to pay tribute to his wife.

Sam Rose, his 50-year-old stepdaughter, said: 'I think he's a bit of a fool really, but an incredibly brave one. There can't be many people in their 80s doing skydives.

'In May, my son did a skydive and he really enjoyed watching him, so decided he would like to do it himself.

'He decided he wanted to do it to celebrate his birthday, but he was also keen to do it in memory of my mum.'

Mr Roach added that the cause is particularly close to his heart as his first wife, Pat, also died from the disease in 1978, after 20 years of marriage.

He added: 'I know what a big impact cancer has on people's lives so I really want to raise as much as I possible can to help people going through it.'

While his 82nd birthday is on August 8, the skydive will take place at 8.30am on Saturday, August 12, at Ellough Airfield, near Beccles.

Anybody wishing to watch Mr Roach's plunge is welcome to do so. The family have also set up a JustGiving fundraising page for those wanting to donate.