Birmingham chef Glynn Purnell in charity jump

Sep 1 2008 By Catherine Lillington

MICHELIN starred city chef Glynn Purnell fell from the heavens as the first person to try out a new attraction at a Birmingham activity centre.

The 33-year-old, who admitted to being afraid of heights, climbed 101 steps before leaping off the top of a 22m tower, in a simulated parachute jump, at the Ackers, on Sunday.

The tower cost more than £500,000 to build at the Small Heath centre, established as a charity trust in 1981 to support people wanting to try outdoor activities.

Glynn shot to fame earlier this year when he appeared on TV programme The Great British Menu with a winning dessert. Part of his prize was to serve up his dish in a glittering banquet at London’s iconic Gherkin building.

He said: “I’m not really good with heights. I’m not too bad with something really high like the Gherkin. At least if I fell off the Gherkin it would be all over.

“This is for a good cause, it’s for kids. If I jump off it might encourage more people to do it.

“I would normally be watching Hollyoaks and eating toast at this time but to spend just ten minutes here is nothing.”

Glynn was joined in the stunt by 15 other thrill-seekers who raised at least £50 each to take part.

Speaking after the stunt Glynn added: “The worst bit was halfway up the stairs when there were three people behind me and there was no turning back.

“Looking up and seeing I had four or five flights to go was worse than looking down. You can’t feel the harness on you as you step off.

“It’s as if you’re going to step off a building, which I suppose you are.”

Glynn said he plans to make a donation to the centre.