The brother of a Kemsley teenager who is going blind as well as deaf will be jumping out of a plane to raise money for charity.

Luke Dower’s 14-year-old sister Alice Costen was diagnosed with Usher Syndrome which is causing the profoundly deaf youngster, who already has cochlear implants, to lose her sight.

On Sunday, September 3, he will travel to Peterborough to undertake the skydive in aid of the Molly Watt Trust.

The small charity supports families which have been affected by Usher syndrome and helps raise awareness of the genetic condition.

He hopes to raise £750 by the effort, which came about after their mum Susannah Dower suggested it to him.

The 19-year-old said: “Over the past year or so, we as a family have had a bit of a rocky ride with doctors appointments and tests.

“We recently received a diagnosis that my sister Alice has Usher Type 1 and was beginning to lose her vision.

“In all honesty, before Alice was diagnosed, I hadn’t even heard of Usher’s in any form. I didn’t know the difference between coloured canes or the different types of Usher’s, it’s been an experience for me take it all in.

“Part of why I want to do this is to show Alice, in a public and dangerous way, just how proud I am of her as she goes through a very confusing time.”

So far, he has raised £165.

“Alice has been an inspiration to me and others, showing strength and defiance thorough her diagnosis."

He added: “She said she thinks I’m an amazing person, she’s very pleased. I’m not scared at the moment but I’m sure I’ll be bricking it on the day.”

To donate, visit mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/lukedower