A daredevil who has Parkinson’s has raised £2,150 for charity by undertaking a skydive.
Brave Welshman Gareth Blake jumped from a plane and plummeted towards the ground in aid of Parkinson’s UK Cymru and his local support group.
The 53-year-old former logistics manager described the experience as ‘awesome’ and says he can’t wait to do it again.
There are over 40 symptoms of Parkinson’s. But the three main symptoms of Parkinson's, which is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, are a tremor (shaking), slowness of movement and rigidity (muscle stiffness).
Almost 8,000 people are currently living with Parkinson’s in Wales, which has the highest proportion of people in the UK with Parkinson’s.
“It’s the first skydive I’ve ever done and I did it from 1,500ft,” said Gareth.
“It was awesome. The first few seconds when I jumped out of the plane was the best part for me, just dropping like a stone and all you can hear is the wind.
“My stomach was ok because I was more excited than nervous. I wasn’t nervous at all when the plane took off. It’s only the second time I’ve been up in a plane, and I jumped out.
“I’m definitely going to be doing it again as soon as I can - as soon as I can afford it.”
When Gareth was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 12 years ago, he was told about the Emlyn & Tivyside Parkinson’s Support Group, which has helped and supported him with any issues that he has had due to the illness.
“Now I think it’s time for me to pay back for all they have done for me,” added Gareth.
“By doing a skydive I hope this goes part of the way to pay back to the group.”
To find out more go to www.parkinsons.org.uk
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