A YOUNG admin worker from Johnstone hurtled from 10,000 feet at 120mph to help people living with Huntington’s disease – and says it was the most exciting experience of her life. 

Charlotte Sandison, 21, from Cochrane Castle, took part in the sponsored tandem skydive in aid of Scottish Huntington’s Association (SHA) after agreeing to join two of her co-workers for the daring feat. 

The former Johnstone High pupil took on the challenge with Jennifer Connar, 20, from Paisley, and Edna MacIver from Dumbarton, who decided to do the jump after celebrating her 80th birthday earlier this year.

The adventurous trio jumped from a small plane at Strathallan Airfield in Perthshire at the weekend and, along with a number of fundraising nights, managed to raise nearly £2,000 for the charity as they smashed their target. 

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Charlotte said: “I was excited about the sky dive but nervous at the same time. I was pretty scared on the day, but I had great support from SHA. Any questions or worries I had, they talked me through everything and did a great job keeping me calm and guiding us through the fundraising.

“We all loved the skydive and would do it again tomorrow. 

“The weather was perfect and everything went really well. 

Glasgow Times: Charlotte helped to raise thousands of pounds for the charity Charlotte helped to raise thousands of pounds for the charity

“I loved floating through the air from 10,000 feet and the scenery was incredible.” 

Jennifer added: “We wanted to raise as much money as possible.” 

Huntington’s disease is a complex genetic condition that causes changes to thinking processes, loss of muscle control, involuntary movements, and mental illness. 

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People with the disease may lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, drink or make decisions and go on to need 24-hour care.

Paisley-based SHA has driven forward the development and co-ordination of world-leading specialist services across Scotland for people living with the disease. 

Charlotte added: “I’m really proud of how much we’ve raised for Scottish Huntington’s Association. 

“Next time I want to jump from 15,000 feet and do a lot more turns and twists.”

Linda Winters, SHA community fundraising officer, said: “We cannot thank them enough for their amazing fundraising efforts.”