UK dad becomes first person with motor neurone disease to skydive over Mount Everest

A brave dad is the first person in world with motor neurone disease to skydive over Mount Everest.

John Chart, 51, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease three years ago after he began to lose the movement in his arms.

He had to give up his 27-year career as a firefighter due to the condition.

John, also a former world champion powerlifter, wanted to show how tough MND warriors can be - by skydiving over Mount Everest TWICE.

He is believed to be the first person with the condition to ever complete the challenge - and has vowed to continue raise awareness as long as he is able.

John, who has four sons and a daughter who passed away, said: "Motor neurone disease is the cruellest of all cruel diseases.

"The diagnosis destroyed my life in a minute - knowing one day I'll become entombed in my body.

The cruel disease progressively damages parts of the nervous system, causing them to waste away - and there is no cure.

But John, who has already lost the use of his arms, is determined not to give up yet - and do all he can to raise awareness for the condition.

He is planning a cage dive with great white sharks, a survival expedition in Norway, and to climb Mont Blanc all before the year is up.

John said: "I just want to raise awareness for this disease as long as I can - it's my duty.

"I've been cursed with the hand of cards I've been dealt but I have to find the best of the situation.

"We need to get more people thinking about this disease if we ever want to find a cure."