A BERE Alston youngster, who suffers with diabetes, took his life in his hands recently to jump out of a plane in a bid to raise money for charity.

Sixteen-year-old Jacob Kendall organised a charity skydive to raise more than £400 for Diabetes UK.

Jacob was 11 when he was diagnosed with type 1 Diabetes and for most young people, this can be overwhelming. Diabetes can affect all aspects of daily life and can become a burden to the individual and their families.

Like a lot of people Jacob struggled to adapt to the demands of the condition but with excellent support he has now, he has started to get on top of it. Wanting to highlight the challenges that this condition poses, Jacob was determined to do something that would raise money for others.

Jacob approached his local youth workers asking for their support in his fundraising and the three youth organisations Bere Alston Youth 2 Youth, Tavistock Youth Café and Catalyst offered to help.

Vicki Lloyd, who works for Bere Alston Youth 2 Youth and oversees the Tavistock Youth Café project, contacted Catalyst for joint fundraising at the 'Friday Night Project'. Money raised from the music event helped pay for Jacob to do the skydive, so he could give all the money he raised to Diabetes UK.

Youth 2 Youth worked with the youth café's Zephyr music project to also hold a band night for young people and the money raised was split between Youth 2 Youth and Diabetes UK.

Vicki said: 'Working with Jacob to achieve his goal was not only rewarding, it was made special by the joint effort from the local youth organisations. Working in partnership is always a positive experience and shows what supporting each other can achieve.'

Jacob braved the skydive, in a tandem with an instructor, at a parachute club in Perranporth, Cornwall.

Jacob said: 'It was absolutely fantastic. I'm really pleased I was able to do something for Diabetes as it is a really important part of my life. I want to thank everyone who donated.'

Jacob also expressed thanks to local businesses who supported him, including Dartmoor Photographic, Bob's Café, Palmers, Roots and Vines, Scruples and all the family and friends that supported him in fundraising.

Jacob is now determined to take up the sport on a regular basis, continuing to raise funds and show other sufferers that anything is possible.

Jacob's mother Sam said: 'I am very proud of him. Since he was diagnosed, it has been a struggle. Until it happens to your family, you just have no idea how it affects them — their whole life changes. He has come such a long way and I am so proud.'