Wendy plans a 50th birthday to remember in aid of charity

Wendy plans a 50th birthday to remember in aid of charity

10 May 2017

THE sky is the limit for loving Downpatrick granny Wendy Clarke.

Wendy will celebrate her forthcoming 50th birthday in an unusual way, diving from a plane for her two year-old grandson Charlie McQuoid who has Down’s Syndrome.

She will do the sky dive later this month to raise awareness and money for the Down’s Syndrome Association.

Wendy, who is a special needs teaching assistant, said she has undertaken the challenge to highlight the much greater daily challenges faced by children like Charlie who often require physiotherapy and support and who may face difficulties with employment once older.

Wendy is hoping as many people as possible will support her fundraising effort with sponsor sheets available at premises across Downpatrick including Gibney’s Shop at Stream Street, the Maxol Garage, Collins’ Corner and the Rowallane Inn, Saintfield.

Having set herself a £1,000 target, she said she is determined to raise as much money as possible in her “Jump for Charlie”.

Although nervous about her May 21 jump, Wendy admits she is no stranger to adrenalin-fuelled sport.

“For my 40th birthday I flew a plane. I have also abseiled down the Europa Hotel and zip lined across the Lagan,” she said.

“I don’t know why I do it, but life is short so you have to make the most of it.”

Anyone who would like to support the Down’s Syndrome Association may do so via her Just Giving page through the link “Jump for Charlie.”