A Moray pensioner is preparing for his latest daredevil challenge to combat a disease that has blighted his family.
John Savage, 75, has walked over hot coals, abseiled down the side of the Falkirk Wheel and sped across the River Clyde on a zip wire to raise funds to fight Huntington’s Disease.
The retired oil worker’s wife Margaret is bedridden as she enters the final stages of the genetic illness – only able to sit in a wheelchair for an hour a day.
And the family was further devastated when the couple’s son Derek, who lives in Annan, was diagnosed with the disease last year.
Now supporters are rallying around Mr Savage as he prepares to plummet 10,000ft in a sky dive in his campaign to ensure no family will have to suffer the same pain.
Seven members of staff from the Nairn care home where Mrs Savage stays have pledged to jump with the Lhanbryde pensioner, along with two friends from Elgin.
Mr Savage said: “I was speaking to a few other families affected by the disease about fundraising at a meeting and as soon as it came up I said ‘I’m going to go for that.’
“I’ve never done anything like it before. I don’t really have a head for heights but I’m sure I’ll be all right on the day.
“I would do anything for my family though. It doesn’t really matter what it is – I’m prepared to do it.”
The 10 campaigners will take part in a tandem jump above Fife in June to raise awareness of the hereditary illness, which has a 50/50 chance of being passed to children of those with the defective gene.
Mr Savage previously cared for his wife at their home in Lhanbryde before the illness progressed to the point where she needed to move to a care home.
Huntington’s Disease, which has no cure, damages brain cells and causes a gradual loss of movement and can lead to personality changes.
Once the illness progresses it leads to sufferers becoming totally dependent on others while leaving them more vulnerable to infections.
Mr Savage added: “It’s such a cruel disease. It takes away the people you love very slowly.
“I visit my wife most days. She can’t speak much but I like to talk to her to keep her company.”
Money raised from the jump will be donated to the Scottish Huntington’s Association. Donations can be made at the Manor Care Centre in Nairn.
