William Jackson from Spennymoor has strapped into the world’s fastest and Europe’s longest zipline with his cousin, Jennifer.
The 14-year-old took on the challenge to raise money for people living with Becker muscular dystrophy, like his younger brother, Louis.
William’s younger brother lives with the condition which causes progressive muscle wasting and weakness. Over time, it can cause severe disability and it can be life-threatening in some cases.
The hair-raising zipline is 1,555m long with top speeds reaching over 100mph. The family travelled to Snowdonia in Wales to cheer William on this week.
Zipline opportunity
“William loves his brother and he’s always wanted to do his own fundraiser, said his mam, Sarah. “He even has a huge list of ideas from visiting every football stadium to running a marathon in a week. He has done an indoor skydive with me before and he has been desperate to do the zipline but he wasn’t old enough until recently.
“William and Jennifer (13) jumped at the chance to do the zipline as a fundraiser as soon as the opportunity arose.”
William was seven years old when Louis was diagnosed with the condition. Although he was young himself, William had to adapt very quickly and help where he was needed.
“William has had to grow up very quickly,” said Sarah. “When Louis was diagnosed, we had just had our newborn daughter and Louis was only three.
“William had to take a lot of responsibility to help us all cope.
“We depended on him to help where he was needed and do what he was told.
“We’re so proud of him and he’s grown into a brilliant person.
“I’m so pleased he’s got this moment to shine and show how amazing he is,” she said.
“He is scared of heights but he claims not to be nervous at all.”
William’s parents and grandparents were all there on the day to watch him complete his challenge.
Fundraiser
His fundraiser has raised £500 for Muscular Dystrophy UK and those living with Becker muscular dystrophy so far.
“He hopes the money will help find a cure for Becker muscular dystrophy and would like it to go towards equipment to help people living with the condition,” said Sarah.
“For a long time, William wanted to be a geneticist so he could find a cure for his brother.
“We even had a tour of the muscle genetic department at the Center for Life in Newcastle.
“He’s now veering more towards being a sports journalist, but I think he’ll use whatever platform he has to advocate for awareness,” said Sarah.
Susanne Driffield, Regional Development Manager-North of England & East Midlands from Muscular Dystrophy UK said: “William is a brilliant big brother and I know he wanted to get involved in this fundraiser for a while now.
“He absolutely went for it, riding the fastest zip line in the world!”
You can donate to the family fund here.
Spennymoor's local community newspaper.
