Jumping for IBD
165. Derek McEwan
A 39 year old man from Cambuslang, Glasgow organises an annual Santa bungee jump and has raised over £500,000 for Inflammatory Bowel Disease charities.
After his mother passed away as a result of Crohn’s Disease, Derek McEwan was inspired to dedicate the last 11 years to raising money to help others affected by Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Always keen to find new ways to encourage people to donate in the run up to Christmas, Derek set up the ‘Santa Bungee’ challenge in 2012. Last year, Derek, his wife and 28 other bungee-jumpers dressed as Santa raised £15,000 for the Catherine McEwan Foundation he set up in memory of his mum. This year, Derek is aiming to more than double the amount of jumping Santas to 60 which will help the team reach their target of £20,000, to add to the £80,000 he has already raised for the fund this year. The Santas will jump off a 300ft crane at the Braehead Centre, Glasgow, on 29th November.
The Catherine McEwan Fund supports two main charities – Crohn’s and Colitis UK and the Yorkhill Children’s Charity in Glasgow which funds the Yorkhill Hospital’s IBD unit. Donations fund family days for sick children, teenage focus days, research projects and funding specialist nurses to give people the care that they need.
Derek’s contribution to fighting Inflammatory Bowel Disease was recognised nationally this year when he was elected to the national trustee board for Crohn’s and Colitis UK as a co-opted Trustee. He will be voted in to the board next summer.
Prime Minister David Cameron said:
“Derek has taken an innovative festive approach to fundraising which has inspired others to get out of their comfort zone and raise money for a very worthy cause. I wish everyone taking part in 2014’s Santa Bungee Jump the very best of luck and a very Merry Christmas. I’m delighted to name Derek the UK’s 165th Point of Light.”
Derek said:
“I am extremely honoured to have been named a Point of Light by our Prime Minister, David Cameron. Myself and other volunteers at the Catherine McEwan Foundation don’t work to receive awards but it is fantastic to be recognised. I’m sure my mum is looking down feeling very proud.