Howwood teen to bungee jump 160ft after being motivated by gran's work

Mitchell Strachan, 15, will take the plunge on May 19 for Quarriers Social Care where his grandmother has worked since 1975.

Through the jump, which will take place at Riverside Museum, the Johnstone High School student wants to raise funds for the Supported Living Service which helps adults with challenging and complex support needs to live independently.

He said: "I wanted to raise money and I think it will be fun. Some of my friends think I am crazy, and some others are now thinking about doing it with me.”

Mitchell's motivation behind his jump is his grandmother, Helen Crawford, who was initially an assistant house mother when Quarriers Social Care was a children’s home.

She subsequently worked for the Renfrewshire Supported Living Service.

She said: “I’m so proud of Mitchell for taking on this challenge, but then I’m always proud of him and his brother Josh.

"I’ll go along to support him, but I won’t watch when he jumps.”

Helen said she retired from full-time work in 2012 but continues to provide help as a relief support worker.

Mitchell, who works as a barber at Structure Barbers in Johnstone on weekends, plans to seek donations from his regular customers.

His mum, Louise Strachan, is an events and community fundraiser at Quarriers.

She said: “Quarriers has been a huge part of our lives. I have seen the great work my mum does for the people she supports, and Mitchell has too.

"That’s why he wants to help raise some funds by doing the Bungee Jump. We are excited to see how he gets on and how much he raises.

“There are a few spaces left if there are any willing volunteers to take on the Bungee Jump for Quarriers to raise vital funds.

"There is a reservation fee of £20, and fundraisers will be fully supported in setting up a Just Giving page. Contact events@quarriers.org.uk to sign up."

To donate to Mitchell’s bungee jump fundraiser, go to https://tinyurl.com/t45crz3y.