Arthritic skydiver to take the plunge for disability group

A 66-year-old Trim man who suffers from asthma and arthritis is planning to fall from the sky next week in aid of the Meath Disability Action Group. John Ward of Mornington Heights, Trim, will do a tandem skydive in Edenderry, Co Offaly, on Saturday 25th June. John, who had never done anything like this before, decided to challenge himself in support of the Meath Disability Action Group. He is a member of the group and realised that it was in desperate need of funds. "I've been inclined to do it for the last while and I know the group would benefit greatly from it and any funds that can be raised from it," he said. "I joined the group because of my disabilities and realised how badly they need the money to assist people with severe disabilities to live on their own," he said. He admits to feeling a little apprehensive at the prospects of jumping out of an airplane but he is also looking forward to it. John has been a volunteer with many different groups in different capacities over the years. These include fundraising for Irish Lifeboats, participating and training in a local boxing club and he was also involved with Trim Tidy Town committee. The big jump is set to take place on the morning of Saturday 25th June in Edenderry, weather depending. Navan-based Flexibus is kindly sponsoring a bus to bring supporters and spectators to the venue to view John's jump. The Meath Disability Action group is looking for sponsors for the event and sponsorship cards are available from Joan McGuinness on (087) 280 5476 or on (046) 928 0773. Meath Disability Action Group is made of people with disabilities from all over Meath who wish to take control over their own lives by developing skills, exercising choices, taking up their rights and having their voices heard with a view to achieving full participation in society. They meet to discuss issues that are relevant to the group, with a key focus on training and sharing learning and experiences.