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Charity crusader is a chuting star

Penny Coles
27/ 6/2007

A GLOSSOP barber has overcome his fears and thrown himself 10,000ft from a plane for charity.

And Stephen Ashton has now met the South African orphans who will benefit from his daring deed.

Stephen, who had no head for heights before doing the jump, is now recommending it to other people.

The 40 year old who runs Harry's Barber Shop said: "I got a massive adrenalin rush.

"The most nerve-wracking part was travelling up in the plane.

"I was not belted up to the guy I was doing the jump with and I was sitting next to an open door.

"I was terrified that I was going to fall out."

Stephen, of North Road, Glossop did the jump in Durban, halfway through a trip to South Africa with his family.

His wife Lisa Ashton, a BBC researcher, began a charity to raise money for the children's orphanage after making a TV documentary.

But it is the first time Stephen has made the trip out there.

Stephen said: "It was great to see the children and to see what the money had been spent on so far.

"It was very emotional visiting the orphanage, especially for our little girl.

"All the orphans were so pleased to see us that they mobbed us when we arrived.

"They are living in very poor conditions, but the money that has been raised has really helped.

"They have got the basics like a roof over their heads, but 60 of them are still trying to manage with only one shower and toilet.

"The £1,600 we have raised we are planning to put towards a new shower and toilet block as planned.

"The difference people's kind donations have made is that the children, who had nothing before, now have hope."

Donations for the charity are still being accepted and can be made online at www.minniemabaso.org