A 66-year-old Suffolk woman with Parkinson's has smashed her biggest challenge after completing a bungee jump in memory of her best friend. 

Valerie Talbott took on the UK's tallest bungee jump and raised more than £3,000 for St Elizabeth Hospice. 

Bury Mercury: Valerie Talbott has done the UK's tallest bungee jump, SuppliedValerie Talbott has done the UK's tallest bungee jump, Supplied (Image: Supplied)

The woman from Bury St Edmunds smashed her fundraising target of £1,000 for the hospice, which cared for her best friend, John Hunt. 

Mr Hunt died at age 73 on Christmas Day 2022. 

Bury Mercury: Valerie Talbott's best friend, John Hunt, SuppliedValerie Talbott's best friend, John Hunt, Supplied (Image: Supplied)

Valerie, who took on the 300-foot jump on a bungee rope, said: "It was a big challenge for me but one that I really enjoyed, and it was so nice to have 19 supporters join me on the bus trip down, as well as eight more supporters who met us there.  

"Every one of you made a difference, and it meant so much, thank you! 

"The UK Bungee Club made the day really relaxing, and the staff were brilliant.  

Bury Mercury: Valerie Talbott's fundraised bungee jump for hospice, SuppliedValerie Talbott's fundraised bungee jump for hospice, Supplied (Image: Supplied)

"It was just a great day and so much fun. Thank you to everyone who supported and donated towards my fundraising, I am so pleased to raise funds in John’s memory for such a special organisation." 

Bury Mercury: John and Valerie, SuppliedJohn and Valerie, Supplied (Image: Supplied)

John and Valerie were friends for more than 30 years, after meeting at Motocross - an off-road motorcycle racing sport both they and their families loved. 

John was a builder ever since he left school and lived in Kesgrave with his wife Linda.  

Bury Mercury: John Hunt at motocross with his son, where he and his wife met Mrs Talbott, SuppliedJohn Hunt at motocross with his son, where he and his wife met Mrs Talbott, Supplied (Image: Supplied)

Valerie, who is a pensioner with Parkinson's disease and rheumatoid arthritis, joked before the jump: "No one will know if I'm scared, as I shake all the time anyway. 

"Everyone thinks I'm barmy, but I'm definitely going to do it." 

Celia Joseph of St Elizabeth Hospice, added: "We were bowled over by the support that Valerie has given to the hospice. 

Bury Mercury: Valerie Talbott is presenting her cheque for the hospice, SuppliedValerie Talbott is presenting her cheque for the hospice, Supplied (Image: St Elizabeth Hospice)

"Thanks to her enthusiasm and drive, she has raised such a brilliant amount of money in support for the hospice by completing this thrilling challenge!"