Sandhya Suresh
A HOWWOOD teenager will take the plunge for charity as he completes a bungee jump from a platform 160 feet in the air.
Mitchell Strachan, 15, is coining in cash for social care charity Quarriers, where his grandmother, Helen Crawford, has worked since 1975.
The jump, which takes place at the Riverside Museum, in Glasgow, on Sunday, May 19, gives him the chance to help adults with challenging and complex support needs to live independently.
Mitchell, who is a pupil at Johnstone High School, said: “I wanted to raise money and I think it will be fun.
“Some of my friends think I’m crazy but some others are now thinking about doing it with me.”
Helen was initially an assistant ‘house mother’ at Quarriers
when it operated as a children’s home, before going on to work for the charity’s supported living service.
She said: “I’m so proud of Mitchell for taking on this challenge but then I’m always proud of him and his brother Josh.
“I’ll go along to support him but I won’t watch when he jumps.”
Helen retired from her fulltime job at Quarriers in 2012 but continues to provide help as a relief support worker.
Mitchell, who works at the Structure barbers shop in Johnstone at weekends, plans to seek donations from his regular customers.
His mum, Louise Strachan, is an events and community fundraiser at Quarriers.
She said: “Quarriers has been a huge part of our lives. I have seen the great work my mum does for the people she supports and Mitchell has too.
“That’s why he wants to help raise some funds by doing the bungee jump. We are excited to see how he gets on and how much he raises.
“There are a few spaces left if there are any willing volunteers to take on the bungee jump for Quarriers to raise vital funds.
“There is a reservation fee of £20 and fundraisers will be fully supported in setting up a JustGiving page.”
To sign up for the bungee jump, send an email to events@ quarriers.org.uk.
Anyone who would like to support Mitchell’s fundraising efforts can make a donation online at https://tinyurl.com/ t45crz3y.