A GRATEFUL contractor is set to jump out of a plane to thank a charity for its vital support throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Ollie Kidd, from Harwich, is set to take part in the skydive next month to raise money for the Salvation Army.

As a self-employed freelance contractor spraying car parts, Mr Kidd found himself out of work when the pandemic hit.

Devastatingly he was unable to apply for Government help in the form of grants as he had only recently established his business.

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Having a family of six to support, Mr Kidd said his financial responsibilities left him in a “desperate” state when the factory where he was working closed down for ten weeks.

However, the Salvation Army stepped in to help.

Mr Kidd said: “I rang our landlord to say we were unable to pay our rent and not long after that, angels arrived out of nowhere in the form of the Salvation Army’s officers.”

The grateful father paid tribute to Shawn and Vic Moye, Harwich’s Salvation Army’s leaders who delivered food parcels to the family and topped up their gas card and electric key throughout the pandemic.

He said they have been a constant support, adding: “They have made life a little bit more bearable and are always there on the end of the phone.

“We feel we have new members of our family who we can turn to when life gets hard.

“Without them, I don’t know where we would be now.”

Mr Kidd has since married his long-term partner and is now getting ready to undertake the nerve-wracking skydive, which is due to take place in Norwich on September 4.

Vic Moye said she and Shawn were grateful for Ollie’s efforts.

The corps has been supporting the community throughout the pandemic, delivering more than 60,000 meals.

She said: “Shawn and I wish Ollie all the best and we’re in awe that he’s decided to do something so daring to say thank you.

“His efforts will help us continue to support other families experiencing similar hardships.”

To sponsor him, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/oliver-kidd.