Sky-diving Dan raises dough for diabetes
December 3, 2009 No Comments
A butcher from Bettws has raised more than £250 for leading health charity Diabetes UK Cymru by leaping through the skies.
Daniel Watts, from Maes Glas, Bettws, raised £268.50 for Diabetes UK Cymru by doing the sponsored tandem skydive in Swansea Airport on Sunday 8 November.
Daniel, who had always wanted to do a sky dive, was put forward for the challenge by his mother Leonora Thomas as a surprise for his 21st birthday in May.
She chose Diabetes UK Cymru as his nominated charity as Daniel’s sister Jade, 13, has Type 1 diabetes.
She was diagnosed with the condition, which is not preventable and is treated with insulin injections, when she was nine.
Daniel’s mother and sister were there on the day of the skydive to cheer him on with other friends and family.
Daniel said: “It was awesome. I was feeling alright before although my mum and sister kept winding me up!
“I was okay until I went up in the aeroplane. I looked out of the window and thought ‘Oh my God!’.
“Jumping out was one hell of a rush. You just feel free when you are falling. It was great.”
Daniel enjoyed the skydive so much he hopes to do it again and challenge himself further by jumping from a higher height.
“I would definitely do it again and I’d go even higher,” he said.
“I want to thank everyone who has supported me and sponsored me.”
All of the funds from Daniel’s sky dive will go towards supporting people with diabetes in Wales and funding research into the condition.
Diabetes UK Cymru’s National Director Dai Williams said: “Diabetes is increasing rapidly across Wales and is one of the biggest health challenges we are facing today.
“Nearly 8,000 people have been diagnosed with diabetes in Bridgend and a further 1,600 people may have the condition and not yet know it.
“We are delighted Daniel raised money for Diabetes UK Cymru by taking on such a challenge.
“The money Daniel has raised will fund important research into diabetes and to support people with diabetes and their families throughout Wales.”
You can still sponsor Daniel for doing the skydive.
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