Resident skydives to raise funds for Huntingdon's disease

Brave Jacqueline Hearn, 42, who herself suffers from Huntingdon's disease, made the jump in tandem with experienced skydiver Gary at Headcorn Aerodrome, near Maidstone.

Married with three children, Jacqueline said the jump was "a wonderful experience", although mum Margaret Keep admitted to being a trifle nervous when she knew Jacqueline was about to do her skydive.

Margaret said: "I didn't go to the airfield and, due to the weather conditions, Jacqueline jump, which was supposed to be early in the morning, was postponed until later in the day.

"I was a bit nervous when I heard she had gone up in the plane to do the jump but she thought it was wonderful and said she'd do it again!"

Huntingdon's disease is a hereditary disorder of the central nervous system which appears in adulthood and which sadly claimed the life of Jacqueline's dad, Lionel, ten years ago.

Jacqueline was diagnosed with the disease three years later but Margaret said she still does her best to keep as fit and active as she can including horseriding whenever possible.

For more information on Huntingdon's disease visit the web-site at: www.hda.org.uk