OnSite’s Dean Kirby literally takes the plunge to raise money for the SMA Trust

Skydive

Imagine standing at the edge of an open doorway in an aircraft flying at 13,000 feet – the noise of the engines and the wind ringing in your ears with only the outline of distant fields below.

Now imagine leaning forward out of that doorway and letting go – falling forward into the clouds, diving down through the air as you start freefalling at over 120mph! Then imagine the peace and quiet as the canopy opens, the steering toggles come down either side of you and you begin a tranquil parachute descent from a mile up in the air, steering yourself back down to the centre of the drop zone below.

This is exactly what OnSite Pipelines employee Dean Kirby did on the 25 June 2017 whilst harnessed to a professional instructor!

Black Country Half Marathon

As if this wasn’t enough of a challenge, just a week later Dean undertook the Black Country Half Marathon starting at the British Waterways Canal Dock, Wolverhampton and finishing in Brindley Place, Birmingham. Despite suffering with a calf injury AND a breaking his leg last year, Dean achieved an amazing time of 1 hour 52 minutes.

Dean is undertaking a series of challenges to raise money in memory of his great-nephew. Harry, who was born 10 weeks early in June 2015 was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) type 1 in November and sadly passed away just 3 days later. With help from friends and family, Dean wants to raise funds to help find a cure so others won’t have to go through the same pain of losing their loved ones. So far Dean and his family have raised over £10,000 for the SMA Trust including a £200 donation from SSI Services.

What is Spinal Muscular Atrophy ?

SMA is a genetic neuromuscular disease, which means it is inherited and affects nerves responsible for muscle function. Although classified as rare, SMA is the leading genetic cause of death of infants and toddlers, with approximately 95% of the most severely diagnosed cases resulting in death by the age of 18 months. Children with a less severe form of SMA face the prospect of progressive muscle wasting, loss of mobility and motor function.

To read more about why Dean is raising money for the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Trust please click here