Brave jumpers overcome fears for charity

JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) is over $84,000 closer to finding a cure for type 1 diabetes after 56 people took to the sky for the second annual ‘Jump to Cure Diabetes’ on the weekend.
Heartwarming and inspirational stories of bravery could be found in every corner of the Ramblers Skydive Clubhouse on Saturday (16 March), as family and friends gathered to support participants while they prepared to take the plunge of their lives.
18-years-old Twin Waters local, Joshua Forbes, overcame his fear of heights and jumped for his teenage sister, Carrie, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of five.
Mum, Catherine Forbes, who was part of the event’s organising team, couldn’t have been prouder, saying the jump not only saw Josh conquer his biggest fear, but also had him asking about completing a full skydiving course.
“Josh’s jump was a surprise for his sister Carrie.  She was totally overwhelmed when she realized what was happening,” Catherine said.
“Josh’s biggest fear is heights and thinking about jumping out of a plane at 14,000 feet was simply terrifying for him.  We couldn’t have been more proud; what an awesome thing to do for your little sister.”

“Support for the Jump to Cure Diabetes has more than doubled since last year, seeing 56 individuals participate in the event and raising in excess of $84,000 for type 1 diabetes research in Queensland alone,” Catherine added.
“We couldn’t achieve such amazing results without the support of the community and we are looking forward to making it even bigger and better next year.”
Queensland Senator Claire Moore was amongst those who raised over $1000 to participate in the massive skydiving event, along with three generations of the Murdoch family who united to jump for 4-years-old, Summer Murdoch, who has type 1 diabetes.
They were joined by masses of other fundraising heroes taking the plunge for others, including Chancellor Park Auscare Pharmacy’s Diabetes consultant, Amy Lovell.
The action wasn’t all in the skies however, which thankfully were a rare, clear blue and sunny. The Skydive Ramblers crew teamed up with White’s IGA, Erbachers, Jenny Wren’s Cakes, Maroochy North Shore Lions and the Red Bull promotion girls to keep the nervous ‘jumpers’ entertained with a festive, fun atmosphere at the Clubhouse.
The Jump to Cure Diabetes is held across Australia each March, with all proceeds going to JDRF – the world’s largest charitable supporter of type 1 diabetes research.
Founded in Australia in 1982, JDRF Australia has to date invested over $100 million into research and plays a key role in advising and influencing health policy direction across all levels of government and building community awareness of the complicated disease.
Find out more by visiting www.jdrf.org.au.