VIDEO: Daring Donald takes on 300ft dive for hospices (From The Westmorland Gazette)

VIDEO: Daring Donald takes on 300ft dive for hospices

2:30pm Monday 26th November 2012 in News By Hannah Upton

A 75-year-old daredevil defied his fear of heights to tackle the UK's highest bungee jump at the weekend.

Donald Potter, a retired businessman, took a 300-foot plunge from a crane over a lake at Tatton Park in Cheshire.

He was raising money for St John’s Hospice in Lancaster and Derian House children's hospice in Chorley.

It was not the first time Mr Potter has leapt from a great height – he did a bungee jump for the children’s hospice in the Lyth Valley 10 years ago.

He said: “It was great, fun I really enjoyed it. Everyone says I am brave but there is a technique to it. You just close your eyes and let yourself go. It shakes your body like mad with the g-force.

“It was somewhat nervewracking in the few minutes before and I made the mistake of looking over the edge.

“I actually have a fear of heights and when I lived in Florida I did a parachute jump in the Everglades to try and face it head on but you never really overcome it.

“I had to get a doctor’s certificate to do the jump, as it is with anyone over 50.”

Mr Potter, who is a group leader for the South Lakes University of the Third Age and lives just outside Grayrigg, helps organise activities for retired and semi-retired people under the motto of learning for pleasure.

He has been known for leading more adventurous pursuits.

“The hospice movement is a terribly good cause and close to my heart,” he said. “I have raised just under £600 and hope to raise more.

“I might even go abroad to do a bigger jump next year.”

To support Mr Potter’s charity leap, visit www.justgiving.com/donald-potter