A DEVOTED dad will do a skydive for the charities who are helping his precious one-year-old daughter who has cerebral palsy.

Neave Evans didn't take a breath until 18 minutes after she'd been born and suffered brain damage as a result. The youngster was later diagnosed with four limb cerebral palsy.

Her parents Jan and Maxine, of South View, Great Harwood, said dealing with Neave's condition has been extremely difficult but two charities have lightened their load.

Jan, 37, will now do a skydive as he bids to raise £4,000 for the charities - Zoe's Place and The Legacy Rainbow House - as a thank you.

Jan, who started his own company so he could accommodate their daughter’s needs, said: "We found out Neave had brain damage pretty much straight after she was born and at seven months old she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

“That's when we started learning about the condition. We know there is no way of knowing what she is going to be able to do or not do. That's the frustrating thing.

"But we want to do things because we want to raise awareness. It has been demanding and is because we had no idea what cerebral palsy was until we were slapped in the face with it. Our family and friends find it very hard to understand. So we want to make people feel ok to talk about it.”

He added: “Both charities have made a massive difference to us. Neave doesn't sleep for more than three hours a night so the fact Zoe's Place have her stay over two nights a month is a big help.

“Neave is always going to have brain damage. With the backing she has from both charities she will fulfil and achieve her full potential whether that is walking or whatever it maybe.”

Jan said the skydive will happen at the Black Knights Parachute Team at Cockermouth in Cumbria on Saturday, June 8.

He added: “I haven't got the time to get fit and do physical training so I thought this was best. I'm scared of heights. And I want to do something challenging so my friends and people will feel worthwhile for something to donate to."

To sponsor Jan, or learn more about the The Rainbow Legacy House and other charities involved in Neave’s care, visit www.neaves-fund.org.uk