A DAREDEVIL is set to launch himself from a crane high in the sky in aid of charity, after witnessing the tragic effects of a degenerative genetic disorder on his girlfriend’s family.
Northwich man Lee Johnson, 26, is hoping to raise £500 for The Huntington’s Disease Association with a bungee jump from a crane positioned in Salford Quays, on Saturday.
The London Road resident explained that his charity feat was a Christmas gift from girlfriend Jessica Winstanley, aged 20.
“I bought it for him because he’s a bit of an adrenaline junkie,” she said.
“We were sat talking about Huntington’s and thought why not do it as a fundraiser - even if someone donates 50p its 50p towards Huntington’s and raising awareness.
“With Huntington’s there is no treatment, once you’ve got it that’s it.
“I have had a grandma pass away from Huntington’s Disease and two uncles and I’ve got an auntie who has just been told she has it as well.
“My gran had it ever since I was born and I have watched her get worse from it as I have grown up.
“It’s such a horrible disorder - you basically lose your main functions so you are still aware of what’s going on but you can’t react to it, so you are like a vegetable.”
Jessica added: “You see all these adverts for Breast Cancer awareness but where is there anything about Huntington’s?
“It still affects people, its a disease, and it needs to be noted.”
Talking of his big jump, Lee said he felt a mixture of emotions.
“I am a little bit nervous because I’ve never done anything like this before,” he said.
“But if it goes well, I am thinking about doing a parachute jump for the charity.”
To support the couple’s fundraising efforts, visit justgiving.com/jessica-winstanley-hda.
Send your messages of support at northwichguardian.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here