Not even cancer will stop Kevin jumping off the pier

Kevin Lawrence had a tumour the size of a golfball removed from his stomach on July 16. He received the go-ahead from his consultant last week to take his place in this weekend's human flying spectacular.

'I never thought the cancer was going to stop me taking part,' explained Kevin.

He and Rachel will be taking that leap into the sky to promote Bognor Regis Motor Club of which Kevin is the chairman. They will be dressed in Formula One drivers' uniforms and helmets as they '˜steer' little inflatable cars through the sky.

They plan to be waved off the pier ramp with a chequered flag and the F1 TV theme music playing to add to the atmosphere.

As confirmed adrenaline junkies, the Normanton Avenue couple wanted to experience the thrill of taking on gravity and the sea.

Kevin said: 'We are a little bit crazy. We get involved in all sorts of things '“ parachute jumping, we regularly go scuba diving and we ride motorcycles.

'The Birdman was something we have never done before. We haven't even seen it, although we have lived in Bognor for quite a number of years. There always seems to be something else on that weekend.'

Kevin (51) works for the fire service in an office job by day and is a retained firefighter at nights and weekends. Rachel (34) is a company system manager at a pensions' administration firm.

They could well be spending Saturday at the Goodwood Revival as a thank-you for their role as spectator marshals at the Festival of Speed before they take part in the Birdman contest the next day.

They have been motor club members for about 12 years. They have driven their Triumph Stag on the past two annual Classic Tours organised by the club's women to raise more than 100,000 for charities.