Action MS supporter Michael Donaldson plans to skydive naked this weekend to raise money for the multiple sclerosis charity and Cancer Research.

First of all though Michael is undergoing a full body wax, at top Belfast salon Jason Shankey Male Grooming, to make himself more aerodynamic and raise more money for the charities. the whole process was filmed for GMTV!

Click here to see the video......

On his Just Giving website Michael is giving people the opportunity to sponsor a wax strip in aid of Action MS, Northern Ireland’s leading multiple sclerosis and Cancer Research.

The two charities are close to Michael’s heart. His brother Peter was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis eight years ago. The two men recently lost their father Thomas Donaldson to cancer.

Michael revealed that following his brothers diagnosis with MS and then seeing his father suffer from cancer made him realise just how precious life is:

Michael Donaldson from Strangford has a full body wax ahead of his Naked Skydive this weekend.  He underwent this painful procedure to raise even more money for Action MS and Cancer Research - two charities very close to Michael‘s heart. You can sponsor Michael at JustGiving.com. Picture courtesy of Peter Muhly.

“I have been a keen skydiver for the past three years and when you’re sailing through the air at 150mph you feel totally alive.  I think we should all make the most of the good health we’ve got – that’s what I am doing.”

“I wanted to raise money for these two great charities and have some fun with it.  Although I must admit I am more nervous about the wax than I have ever been before!”

Action MS Executive Director Jayne Smyth said:  “Michael has a great zest for life and has put helping others at the top of his agenda.  Michael has shown his great commitment through his support for his brother Peter who has multiple sclerosis.  Michael also nursed his father following his diagnosis with cancer until his death in June.

“Michael is looking forward to his naked skydive and I wish him every success.  He is great fun and is raisng money for two leading charities, Action MS and cancer research.”

Brenda Shankey from Jason Shankey Male Grooming kindly offered the services of their salon in Ballyhackamore for Michael’s wax:

“We are happy to help Michael out, it’s for two great causes and I would like to wish him good luck.  He is brave enough having the full body wax – never mind the skydive!”

Michael thanked Jason Shankey Male Grooming for helping him out:  “It is great to know I am in capable hands!  If anyone would like to sponsor a wax strip please log on to my Just Giving page!”.

Michael will complete his naked skydive on Saturday 19 September at the Old Buckingham Airfield in Cambridge.  Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/michaeldonaldson. 

Action MS Northern Ireland offers an extensive range of support services, including Advocacy, Befriending, free legal advice, information booklets and Careline- a freephone listening ear service telephone 0800 028 88 33.

If you would like more information on Action MS services please contact Jayne Smyth, Executive Director, 028 907 907 07 who would be delighted to help or visit www.actionms.co.uk.

The GMTV piece will be shown on the morning of Thursday 17th September 2009.