A father and son chiropodist team have jetted off to the Ukraine to achieve their ‘sole’ aim in life.

Victor Fletcher, who runs The College of Foot Health Practitioners in Blackheath, flew out on Friday (July 11) with the Salvation Army on a mission to spread the message of healthy feet.

The 65-year-old, who has 30 years experience in podiatry and chiropody, is heading a team aimed at teaching good foot care practice in local hospitals.

He is also providing foot care services to the homeless of Ukraine, a country which has suffered heavily from civil conflict as well as the aftermath of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

Victor will be joined by his son, Vic Jnr, who works as an administrator at the Market Chambers clinic.

Vic Jnr, 41, will be based on a different mission, around 150 miles outside Kiev, where he will be assisting with essential building work such as constructing wells to bring fresh water to poverty-stricken communities.

Inspired by the pair’s big-hearted gesture, drinkers at The Clock Pub in Halesowen decided to jump on board with a charity skydive which raised £700 for the trip.

Vic Jnr, who joined the skydive alongside Graham Heath, Chris Wood, Steven Biundo and Kim Holmes, said: “It was a fantastic adrenalin buzz – made all the better for the fact that it was for such a good cause.”

Victor, who lives on Mucklow Hill in Halesowen, said: “I’m expecting the trip to be a life changing experience.

“Conditions will be basic but the nursing staff are dedicated to their jobs and I’ve been assured a very warm welcome.”

He added: “Life has been good to me and I thought it was about time I gave something back.”