David dives for big donation after dog helped him overcome parents' deaths

David Francis vowed to raise money for Sunnyside Dogs Home in Coven after his former family pet helped him cope with the loss of both his parents.

And he completed his fundraising in one of the most dramatic ways possible - by doing a sky dive.

The feat raised £1,035 for the dog charity and staff said they were greatly appreciative.

Mr Francis, from Castlecroft, took on ownership of collie-cross Bo when his parents Pam and Barry passed away within days of each other four years ago.

They had taken Bo from the home many years earlier.

Mr Francis said a sky-dive was out of character for him and believes he has raised so much because his friends and colleagues thought it was a brave feat.

The 50-year-old said: "I saw a 75-year-old do a sky dive for charity on the telly and I thought if they can do it then why not me?

"Bo was my parents' dog and she was of great comfort to me when they passed away.

"Lots of people have sponsored me to do this and it's gone really well.

"The sky dive was an exhilarating experience, I've never done anything like that before."

Classroom assistant Mr Francis had never been to Sunnyside, in Dark Lane, since his parents took on Bo.

He added: "I've never been there before and I thought it would be nice to go and see where she came from and give something back at the same time."

Sunnyside is part of Birmingham Dogs Home, which was founded back in 1892.

Centre manager Karen Doy praised Mr Francis for his efforts.

"I'd like to thank him for doing that little bit extra for us," she said.

"We appreciate all our supporters and David has certainly got guts - I don't think I could do what he did.

"It's lovely that he's remembered us for all these years.

"It really is fantastic what our supporters do for us."