AN intrepid Malvern man completed a skydive at the third attempt to raise money for charities after a “devastating” 2023 for him and his wife.

Julian Gadd, 66, has raised more than £3,600 after tackling the twice-postponed challenge in support of Kennedy’s Disease UK, St Richard’s Hospice and Worcestershire Breast Unit Haven.

He explained: “2023 was a devastating year for Jen and I, discovering I have Kennedy’s Disease, a form of MND (motor neuron disease), and then to find out Jen had breast cancer.

“However, during the year we have both met and were helped by some amazing people.

“So in 2024 I wanted to give something back and raise sponsorship to support KD UK, St Richards Hospice and the Worcestershire Breast Unit Haven by jumping out of a plane.

“I tried a couple of jump schools who, to be fair to them, only took 100 per cent fit jumpers. But they put me in touch with Corporal Henry Mole of the Red Devils at Netheravon near Salisbury.

“We visited in 2023 and met Corporal Mike French who said if my condition did not worsen he would jump with me in 2024.

“All was booked for April 26 2024 but it was cancelled due to low cloud and rain.

“It was rescheduled for May 9 and all was looking good until we had a call to say there was an issue with the jump plane and we returned home.

“On the following day on May 10 we had a call from Cpl Henry Mole saying if we could get there for the afternoon they would guarantee me a jump.

“We did, we jumped and it was a fantastic experience.

“Would I do it again? My mind says yes but I think it was pushing my body to its limits — but if you get the chance do not miss it.

“We have raised over £3,000 and are still delighted to take more donations.

“Part of my aim was to make everyone more aware of Kennedy’s Disease.

“It is a rare genetic condition that affects men only and often goes undiagnosed. Estimates are one in 40,000 though if including undiagnosed one in 6,500.”

Julian’s fundraising page and more details on the disease are online at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/JulesAndJen