A FORMER Barnsley Market trader is set to take to the skies next month to raise money for the British Heart Foundation - just three years after having a triple heart bypass.
David Patrick, 79, was a trader on the town’s famous marker for 40 years with his wife Carole on their stall, Red Balloon.
He moved to East Sussex in 2013 to be closer to his family and in August 2022 he underwent surgery for a triple heart bypass.
But it’s not held him back and the thrill-seeking grandad will jump out of a plane - 12,000 feet up in the air - at Headcorn Airfield in Kent on June 14 with his grandson Sam Wright.
David told the Chronicle: “I had my triple bypass in 2022 at Brighton Hospital and I was only in there for three days because of how healthy I was.
“My grandson is a big, strong rugby player - and we’re going to be jumping out of the plane at 12,000 feet.
“I just want to give something back to say thank you for all they did for me.”
Fortunately, David isn’t scared of heights - and he’s even going to be travelling to Kent in a plane.
“I’ve done the world’s largest bungee jump in New Zealand before,” he added.
“One of my friends at snooker club has offered to take me in his plane to Kent so that’s how I’ll be travelling.
“I’m really looking forward to it.
“People have said I’ll love it so that gets my blood coursing.”
To donate to David’s fundraiser please click here.
