NEW Earswick All Blacks player Mark Tipping is to take part in a static line parachute jump on April 15 to raise money for players who have suffered horrific injuries while playing rugby.
Tipping, who admits to "being terrified of heights and not keen on flying", will be part of a 'rugby league charity XIII Heroes' team who, following a six-hour training course, will be undertaking a lone jump 3,500 feet above the Lancashire countryside.
The event - which underpins the family in rugby league - is in aid of a trust fund set up on behalf of Danny Scott, of Moldgreen, and Matt King, formerly of the London Broncos Academy, who, in 2004, suffered spinal injuries that have left them "unable to enjoy life as we all can". The charity aims to help this duo and seriously hurt players like them.
"The 'XIII Heroes' are in the process of assembling an elite team of 13 brave - or stupid - individuals willing to jump out of a perfectly good aeroplane to raise funds for this cause," said Tipping (pictured right), who works daily with people with sports injuries. He hopes to make a minimum of £1,000 himself.
"I am squad number 11, making me 11th to jump, and I am hoping to raise enough funds to make the fear worthwhile."
He wants to find five commercial sponsors paying £100 each for their logo to feature on his 'jump day' clothing and training kit, plus a host of individuals wishing to support the cause. Anyone interested should contact him on 07810 407167.
Tipping's immediate thoughts will be on All Blacks' home match against Birkenshaw as they look to break back into the top two in Pennine League division one on the day the top two, Halifax Irish and Kippax Welfare, meet each other.
Updated: 10:47 Thursday, January 26, 2006
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