A daredevil fundraiser who refuses to let a genetic condition hold her back is learning to fly a plane for charity.
Denise Yorke, who lives in Mint Close, Hillingdon, wants to spread the message that having a disability like hers, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), should never stop you from living life to the full.
Mrs Yorke, 39, was herself diagnosed with the condition at birth and uses a wheelchair, but has always been determined to lead an active lifestyle.
“I wanted to do something to make people realise that having SMA does not have to mean no quality of life. As with all differences, it is to be embraced, that life can be worth living and holding onto.”
She has tackled several challenges for charities before, but has never flown a plane. That minor detail will not stop her though, and Mrs Yorke is challenging herself to be up in the air in a micro light plane for thirty minutes, taking control of the plane herself.
She said: “I have been gliding before but I wanted to make it more scary this time around.
“I am one of the lucky ones, because there are four types of SMA and the condition can be much worse than how it affects me.
“I wanted to raise money for SMA Support UK because clearly it is a cause very close to my heart,” she said.
The fearless philanthropist volunteers with DASH (Disablement Association Hillingdon) and is a strong promoter of the charity’s slogan ‘disability does not mean inability’.
She said: “It is all about telling people not to let it hold you back from doing something that you think you might not be able to do.”
To sponsor Denise's micro flight visit her Just Giving donation page at www.justgiving.com/Denise-Yorke
