Daniel's diabetes dive.

BUTCHER Daniel Watts will be leaping from a plane to raise money for charity.

Daniel, from Maes Glas, Bettws, Bridgend, will be doing the sponsored tandem sky dive for Diabetes UK and hopes to raise pounds 250 for the charity.

The 21-year-old was put forward for the challenge by his mother Leonora Thomas as a surprise for his 21st birthday in May. He chose Diabetes UK as his nominated charity as his sister Jade, 13, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was just nine.

"My heart dropped. I really didn't expect it," said Daniel. "It's something I had always wanted to do. I'm feeling a bit nervous but I'm excited."

Daniel will do the sky dive at Swansea Airport in July and he will be cheered on by family and friends, including Jade.

"When Jade was diagnosed it affected the whole family," said Daniel.

"It had a big impact as we didn't realise how serious diabetes is and not many people do realise that.

"She is doing really well and is proud of me for doing the sky dive.

"She can't wait for me to go up there and jump out of the plane."

All the funds from Daniel's sky dive will go towards supporting people with diabetes and their families and funding research into the condition.

For information on other ways you can raise money for Diabetes UK, call 029 2066 8276 or e-mail [e-mail]

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Daniel Watts, from Bettws, is appealing for sponsorship for a sky dive to help diabetes sufferers like his sister Jade Picture: Howard Balston [umlaut]