Brave Glaswegians are being called on to show some Christmas spirit and raise cash to help sufferers of Crohn's disease and Colitis this weekend.
Derek McEwan, 46, is hosting the 10th annual Santa Bungee Jump at Braehead on Saturday to raise money for the Catherine McEwan Foundation – the charity he founded in loving memory of his mum.
The daredevil is taking on a gut-churning 10 bungee jumps to mark the anniversary of the charity stunt and in memory of charity supporter Derek Blackshaw, 46, who died in October after being struck in a Cardonald car park.
Derek and his 17-year-old son Callum, who has Crohn's, took part in the 2019 event.
Derek said: "Derek was a big gentleman as is his son – they did the last bungee as father and son and we were bursting with pride. It was lovely to see.
"The family have been great supporters of the charity."
The Santa Bungee Jump has seen hundreds of Glaswegians take the plunge over the years.
Dozens of big-hearted thrill seekers will don Santa suits and jump from the 160 metre crane over the River Clyde.
He said: "I've done it many times and I have to say – it doesn't get any easier. I'd be amazed if you're standing up the top and you're not even slightly nervous.
"But what I will say is for most people when they do it, it's a big bucket list moment – nine times out of 10 they are absolutely buzzing. It's an incredible feeling. On a clear day you can look down the Clyde and it's magnificent.
"It’s not something you can do very easily in Scotland – but it's part of the Christmas makeup for us over the last 10 years. We get on the Christmas tunes and it's a nice wee buzz. You can even have a mulled wine before it at the Braehead Christmas market!"
Derek was just 16 when his mother passed away aged 38 after a battle with Crohn's disease – and was determined to ensure sufferers and their families wouldn't go through the same suffering.
The Catherine McEwan Foundation puts on around ten fundraising events each year including the infamous Red Hot Ball, Tea Jenny, Comedy Crohnies, It’s a Knockout, Christmas Drive-In Movies and the annual Santa Bungee.
The charity has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds helping people living with Crohn’s and Colitis access better treatment and care since 2003.
Derek said: "I was a wee boy who lost his mammy. I was absolutely heartbroken. She'd had a terrible time.
"I wanted to help people through that horrid journey. Some of the people are battling these conditions up against it on a day to day basis.
"We're focused on their care, whether that's scholarship programmes or investing in better care and wellbeing services. We're making a difference in people's lives.
"If people want to take part, or come down and watch, if you put a couple of pounds in the bucket just know it will be going to a good place."
The Santa Bungee Jump takes place at Braehead from 9am.
You can register for the Santa Bungee Jump here or turn up on the day. To find out more, visit Catherine McEwan Foundation's website and Facebook.
