SOUTHSIDER Redmond O’Hanlon has completed his annual parachute jump in support of the Ataxia Foundation Ireland (AFI), for the fifth year in a row.
Redmond, who has Friedrich’s Ataxia himself, took part in the annual charity jump organised by the AFI, to raise awareness and funds to support people with the condition.
Ataxia is a rare, progressive neurological disease which affects a person’s ability to walk, talk and use fine motor skills.
But this did not stop Redmond from jumping out of a plane in support of the foundation.
Redmond, who is cared for in his Donnybrook home by the Ballsbridge office of Home Instead Senior Care, said he was “very proud” to take part in the jump, which took place at Abbeyschrule Airfield in Co Longford on Saturday, June 15.
“I did my annual parachute jump for the fifth time,” he declared. “I jumped from an altitude of 10,000 feet, and I collected a lot of donations for the AFI.”
Home Instead Senior Care Ballsbridge supported Redmond’s efforts by making a donation to the AFI.
“I have had wonderful Home Instead carers for over nine years,” Redmond added.
“I am wheelchair-bound as I am suffering from Ataxia and I appreciate the personal service I get from the carers every day.
“For anybody in a wheelchair like myself, I find that my worst enemy is stress. None of my carers put me into a stressful situation,” added Redmond.