Taking the plunge for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (From This is Hampshire)

Taking the plunge for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

9:30am Monday 19th April 2010 in

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THEY may be separated by two generations but these Hampshire daredevils are united in one mission – to help find a cure for diabetes.

Proving that age is no barrier when it comes to falling from the skies at 10,000ft, teenager Georgia Shepherd and pensioner Jack Dixon are braving a skydive for charity.

The 16-year-old and 88-year-old will both be taking the plunge to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), hoping their funds will help end the need for daily insulin injections sufferers are forced to endure.

Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes aged ten, Georgia from Hedge End knows how the condition can turn a family’s life upside down and is determined to help make a difference.

She said: “When I was diagnosed it came as a big shock to me and my family as it was not easy to cope with but now it’s become a way of life.

“I am quite scared but I have always wanted to do a skydive and to do it while raising money for JDRF is even better. To find a cure for type 1 diabetes would be fantastic as it could change my life back to how it was before.”

Joining Georgia will be sprightly 88-year-old Jack Dixon, who has been eager to dive from the skies since he trained with the glider troops during the Second World War, when he was not much older than Georgia is now.

After being given the green light by his doctor, Jack, who leads walks and goes line dancing every week, is excited that he is finally going to fulfil his skydiving ambition.

He said: “Finally this is my time to jump from a plane. I have seen a lot in life but this has always been an ambition and I cannot wait to get up there.

“When I was in the army I trained with the glider troops but the war in the Far East ended before they needed me so I never got the chance to do it.”

To sponsor the plucky pair, who will jump on Saturday, call Sue Perrin at the JDRF on 023 8061 6622.