Mother to take the plunge for research

Dawn Creswick, whose son Harley has the life-shortening Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy, will be among 100 people taking to the skies in the skydive for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

Together they hope to raise £80,000 towards the charity’s research programme – and are urging others to take part.

Harley, of High Green, Sheffield, was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in 2011.

The condition causes muscles to weaken and waste over time, leading to increasing and severe disability.

Mrs Creswick, husband Mark and family and friends have already raised £9,000 to back the charity’s work.

The family has also been involved in putting pressure on the Government to improve funding for rare disease treatments.

She said: “Although I’m nervous I am really excited about the jump.

“I have always wanted to try skydiving and jumping with lots of other people makes it a little less nerve-wracking.”

She added: “Join us on the day and you will be helping Harley and other children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.”

Any other daredevils who want to join the dive are being asked to raise £399 sponsorship for their efforts, and can choose from a variety of skydive sites around the UK.

Sara Wilcox, the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign’s north east volunteer fund-raising manager, said those taking part could help transform thousands of lives of those with the illness.

“Groundbreaking potential treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy are being developed by UK scientists and it is vital that the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is able to keep funding this work,” she said.

• www.justgiving.com/dawncreswick-skydive