Not falling but diving

John O'Mara: parachute jump

John’s top-to-bottom retirement project
FOR some, retirement is all about relaxing.

But not 70-year-old Parkinson’s sufferer John O’Mara.

He plans to jump out of a plane at 14,000ft to raise money for Parkinson’s UK!

John, a former Chronicle driver, will be strapped to a professional skydiver for the leap.

He said: “My daughter did a skydive a while ago and loved it.

“When she said she wanted to do it again this year I thought that I’d have a go too.

“I am terrified of course, but I’m also looking forward to it.”

The jump will also serve as a belated birthday present after turning 70 in April.

The Lees resident said: “Parkinson’s UK doesn’t get as much publicity as some other charities and causes so I thought this would be a great chance to help the charity and raise some money for its fantastic work.”

Les Shelmerdine, chair of the Oldham Branch of Parkinson’s UK, said: “John is one of our good eggs.

“He is always helping out and volunteering for us, helping to set up stalls or raise funds.

“I think it is brilliant that he wants to do this to raise money, especially at his age!

Donate to John’s skydive attempt, which takes place near Lancaster on August 3, by visiting www.justgiving.com/john-o-mara