Quantum’s fundraisers joined 200 others to jump off the 59 m high Tyne Bridge on a zip wire, reaching speeds of up to 30 miles an hour before landing at HMS Calliope in Gateshead. The team signed up for the challenge with Marie Curie cancer care after losing their colleague Tony Gallagher to the disease in 2008 and successfully raised £3000 for the cause.

Catherine Walters, chairperson of Quantum’s Corporate Social Responsibility team, said: ‘While the thought of jumping off the Tyne Bridge was quite daunting, it was nothing compared to the bravery Tony showed in his fight against cancer. We just hope the money we raised will help to care for other cancer sufferers as they battle with the disease.’

This is the latest in a string of charity initiatives for the Quantum Pharmaceutical team, having recently embarked on a thousand mile charity bike from Lands End to John O’Groats. The pharmaceutical company has raised £6800 for Marie Curie this year alone.