THE partner of former snooker world champion John Spencer took part in a sponsored parachute jump to raise money for charity.

Jean Shepherd, from Radcliffe, was one of 12 people who took the plunge with the Red Devils near Nottingham this week, in memory of Mr Spencer, who died from myasthenia gravis, a muscle-wasting disease. The cash raised will go to the Myasthenia Gravis Association.

Mr Spencer suffered from the disease for 22 years. In 2003, he was diagnosed with stomach cancer, but was told it was inoperable because of the myasthenia gravis. He refused any further medical treatment as he wanted to enjoy what time he had left. He died on July 11, 2006, aged 70.

The snooker star, known as "Gentleman John", won the World Snooker Championship in 1967, 1971, and 1977, and he won a dozen major championships in total.

He ended his snooker career in 1984 because of his illness, which also causes double vision. He later became a television analyst for the BBC.

Jean said: "It was great. I am still coming down from it now. I am really pleased we've been able to do something in memory of John. It was particularly poignant that we did it this week, so close to the anniversary of his death."