A LOVING father of four is planning a charity skydive later this year to say thank you to a charity that has helped with the care of his young son.

Mathew Sansom from Basingstoke is planning to take the leap of faith on August 13 to raise money for the charity Family Fund, who provide grants for families raising disabled or seriously ill children.

Two-year-old Oliver suffers from various conditions including a very rare chromosome condition called Tetrasomy 8p, Spina Bifida, and Hip Dysplasia.

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The condition means that the youngster is unable to walk.

Mathew said: “Me and my friend James wanted to do this skydive for Family Fund who have helped us with Oliver an awful lot.

“Last year we had some days out where we went to the Sea Life Centre, which was great with all the colours and different fish. It was quite sensory for him.

“We also went to the zoo, and they have also provided us with funding for sensory equipment for him and play equipment. It makes a massive difference, and it is so nice to have something like that out there especially if you are short of money because the disability equipment and even days out are so expensive."

Mathew and friend James Brenna will be taking on the charity skydive in Brackley at the Hinton Airfield in Oxfordshire.

Mathew added: “I have never done a skydive before, but I have always wanted to do one, so I am actually quite excited.

“I have done some charity stuff before, so it is nice that I can do something from us to give to a charity that has helped my son and it is so nice to give something back.

“It will make me feel very proud and just really happy to not only just give something back but hopefully raise enough money to help other families as well who are in a similar position to me.

“That’s another thing Family Fund do it’s not just about the child but also about their siblings as well and that is what the days out are for, so it helps the whole family out.

“It is hard on everyone especially brothers and sisters.”

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For more information about the skydive or to donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jamesmatthew144

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