A PARACHUTE display team based in Oxfordshire has taken part in a ‘run 5k, donate £5 and nominate 5’ challenge for the NHS.

In a change from jumping out of aircraft, the RAF Falcon parachute display team, based at Brize Norton, took to the running challenge, in aid of NHS Charities Together.

Survival equipment technician, Corporal Nathan Fredericks, was challenged by a Falcon fan on social media.

He said: “Whilst we are currently unable to take part in any parachute displays, I thought it would be a great idea if we could help raise money for NHS Charities Together by donating and raising awareness for such an excellent cause.

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“Also a bit of a friendly competition with other RAF display teams is always good fun.”

Once each Falcon had completed their run, they donated to the NHS charity and nominated their peers from other RAF display teams to take part in the challenge, including the Red Arrows, the RAF police dog display team, and the Typhoon and Tutor display teams.

The Falcons are the UK’s premier military parachute display team and usually display at venues all over Britain and Europe.

In their displays, the team can fall at speeds of up to 120 mph from heights that scale up to 12,000 ft.

The team was formed in 1961 by six instructors from RAF Abingdon.