Speed Fundraising Campaign To Reach New Heights

Late Wales boss, Gary Speed

Former Wales International Matt Jones will perform a 13,000 feet sky dive today in memory of the late Wales boss.

It is the latest in a series of challenges through 2012 aimed at raising money for charities the former Wales boss supported.

"I'm going to be as white as a ghost – terrified!” says Matt.

"The thought of jumping out of a plane and within seconds, reaching 120 miles per hour is making me incredibly nervous!".

A charity sky-dive will see Matt try to overcome his longstanding fear of flying

Matt first picked up his fear of flying when he was with Leeds United, with the ex-midfielder flying across Europe out of Leeds-Bradford Airport.

"We were constantly on chartered flights at Leeds, and it felt like every time we landed at Leeds-Bradford we'd be coming in sideways, and that's made me a really nervous flyer,” he said.

"I'm hoping that if people see me confronting my fear head-on, they may be more likely to throw a few coins my way!” said the ex-Leeds United, Leicester City and Wales midfielder.

Matt will be falling in a tandem jump above Swansea airfield, reaching speeds of 120mph in less than a minute.

The 31-year-old is looking to raise more than £10,000 for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and the John Hartson Foundation.

The dad-of-three from Llanelli, who retired from football after a serious back injury, is also raising funds for the Spinal Injuries Association.

Already this year Matt has completed a series of half-marathons, the London marathon, and run up and down Mt. Snowdon, Wales' highest peak.

"Gary was a real brother, a fantastic bloke and someone you could always rely on".

"I've picked up this mantle of raising money for charity - which was something Gary was incredibly passionate about, and hopefully I can keep this going for many years to come".

Donations can be made via http://www.justgiving.com/mattjones7 or via mobile. Just text MATT73 and your AMOUNT and text it to: 70070.

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