Mike reschedules tandem skydive for Katie

A disabled man set to jump out of a plane for an eight-year-old girl suffering from cerebral palsy has already raised more than £2,000 in sponsorship.

Mike Stephens, 60, of Field Way, St Leonards, was meant to have performed the 15,000ft tandem skydive at the airbase in Headcorn, Kent, on Sunday, in aid of Katie Hilsted, who was born with quadriplegic cerebral palsy.

But he cancelled it because of family illness.

Mr Stephens is now going ahead with it on Saturday, October 23.

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He was born with dystonic cerebral palsy and his district nurse is Alison Hilsted, Katie's aunt. He finds it hard to walk and move about and suffers from muscle pain.

Mr Stephens said: "I have had some amazing responses, with one builder handing me 500 after reading the Observer article. He was completely moved by it and now wants to do something himself for little Katie.

"Another lady in Marks and Spencer emptied her purse out to give me money. She was from Yorkshire. People have also posted cheques through my door.

"Katie has a multitude of health problems with her lungs, deafness, is unable to stand, speak, walk or swallow and needs 24-hour care."

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Her parents Ian and Teressa are borrowing 10,000 to build an extension above their garage but need 10,000 for a lift for Katie, as well as other equipment like a disabled adapted bath and changing couch. A lift needs to be installed to get her upstairs in a wheelchair.

Mr Stephens added: "All of Katie's equipment has to be fitted and tailor-made for her, hence the massive costs."

Around 27,000 in total is needed for Katie, of Agincourt Close, St Leonards, for the equipment. To sponsor Mr Stephens ring 01424 421916.

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