An 87 year-old Rednal granddad is taking part in a tandem parachute jump to raise vital funds for Epilepsy Action, the UK’s largest member-led epilepsy charity.
Joseph Green, 87, will be jumping out of a plane from 13,000 feet on Sunday 30 May. The jump will take place at Hinton Skydiving Centre in Brackley, Northants. Joseph is taking on this challenge to raise vital funds for Epilepsy Action and Kidney Research UK – two charities close to Joseph’s heart. Joseph’s great grandson Louis was diagnosed with epilepsy after contracting meningitis in 2008 and his granddaughter Tracey had a kidney transplant 10 years ago.
Joseph, who has five children, eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, has loved planes for many years and worked mending fighter planes during the war. He said: “I’m really looking forward to the thrill and rush of jumping from a plane and having all of my family there to support me.”
Sharon Crofts, Joseph’s granddaughter and Louis’ mum, said: “After watching me take the challenge of tandem skydiving last year Joe told us he too wanted to have a go himself. This didn’t completely shock us as Joe is known for his love of aeroplanes and being an adrenaline junky. A few years ago after taking to the sky in a glider his came back down to say “It was ok, but boring! Would have been better if I was wing walking!”
“Joe is a much treasured and doted dad, granddad and great granddad and the fittest of all his family! He loves the thrill of getting an adrenaline rush, his family and nothing more than enjoying life. We are all extremely proud of him for taking on such an amazing challenge.”
Joseph has already raised £150 to help support the 456,000 people living with epilepsy in the UK. The money raised by Joseph will help fund the vital advice and information services provided by Epilepsy Action. To support Joseph in his amazing challenge, visit www.justgiving.com/JosephGreen
Epilepsy Action has a huge variety of fundraising events suitable for all ages and abilities. The events can be a fun and exciting challenge with the added bonus of making a difference to the lives of people with epilepsy. To find out more or to arrange your own parachute jump for Epilepsy Action, visit www.epilepsy.org.uk/involved
Epilepsy Action celebrates its sixtieth anniversary this year. The charity directly helps more than 688,000 people every year through a range of services including its advice and information service, branch network, Epilepsy Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050 and award-winning website, www.epilepsy.org.uk