A TEENAGE girl from Dinas Powys who suffers from a neuromuscular disease is set to ‘jump’ off the Transporter Bridge in Newport for charity.
Myasthenia sufferer Jessica Hobbs will take part in a zipslide off the 74m high grade one listed structure to raise funds for the Myasthenia Gravis Association.
The 15-year-old will be joined in the hair-raising stunt – which involves whizzing towards the ground on a 300m steel wire – by her mum’s partner Ian on Sunday March 3.
Jessica was just 11 when she was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis.
She said: “When I was diagnosed, I felt that my whole world had fallen apart. I loved all sports, played rugby for Dinas Powys RFC and led a very active life.
“Unless you’ve been through it nobody knows what it’s like to have everything you live for taken away.”
Jessica, and Ian, hope the challenge will also raise awareness of the disease. Ian, who is also fundraising for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity said: “It was decided I would take part with Jess by her mum and four sisters. I have a dislike of heights and thought it would be funny to see me petrified.
“But I’ve been inspired by Jess’s courage living with myasthenia and also her bravery to take part in the zipslide – although I’m not sure who will be more scared at the top.
“Both charities are close to my heart as I was in the regular Army for seven years and I have been serving in the Territorial Army for the last 20 years.”
Jessica said she had been overwhelmed by the support from the community and her friends.
“Once it was put on Dinas Powys Pictures Facebook page, local residents that I don’t even know started sponsoring me, it was amazing.
I can’t tell you how grateful I am to them.”
But Jess is still short of her £1,000 target – anyone who would like to sponsor her can do so by visiting virginmoneygiving.com/ dinasmyastheniagravis Anyone interested in taking part in the zipslide to raise money for the two charities should contact Rita Goldthorp on 01980 626062 or e-mail ZipNewport@ mail.com
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