Teen’s skydive for Eric
ASOUTHPORT teenager will plunge 15,000 feet to help pay for a prosthetic leg for a family friend.
Charlie Hayward, 18, will take part in a skydive to raise vital funds for Eric Armstrong, who recently had his leg amputated.
Eric, 45, had surgery to remove his leg in July. The Southport dad-of-three had suffered from Neurofibromatosis since he was a child, and recently decided upon amputation after enduring years of pain.
Charlie, who has just finished his studies at King George V College in Southport, said: “Eric now faces challenges with many of the things we take for granted – driving, walking to the shops, everyday things.
“He is a kind, loving and inspiring friend, sibling, father and son and this is why I’m doing the skydive to help raise money.”
The Blue Anchor pub recently held a race night to help raise cash for Eric. And Eric’s brother-in-law Greg Mook hosted a second event to raise more.
Charlie added: “Prosthetics are very expensive and with the combined effort of others hosting fundraising events we hope the money raised in total will allow us to achieve this goal.”
Speaking to the Visiter earlier this year, Eric said: “Unfortunately, I have suffered with leg pain since I was a child. I was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis. I have endured several operations, and came to a point where I wanted to be without pain. “I am fine, although some of my friends have been a bit shocked by my appearance. Some did not know about my condition because I tended to suffer in silence.” Charlie will perform his skydive on Sunday, September 18. To sponsor him, visit www. justgiving. com/ crowdfunding/ charlie- hayward