Son jumps from plane to fight the disease stealing his father’s future
'I knew it would be the perfect opportunity to try and raise money for my dad’s condition'
When Henderson Ford Bridges launches himself out of a plane at 7,000 feet, he won’t just be ticking off a bucket-list item.
He’ll be doing it for his dad Wayne, for his family, and for everyone touched by motor neurone disease. And he’ll be doing it with nerves of steel and a whole lot of heart.
At 24, Henderson is the sort of bloke who gets things done with little fanfare but a lot of purpose. Living in Winford, just outside Bristol, he works as a carpenter—hands-on, reliable, and grounded in the kind of grit you’d expect from someone who’s been shaping timber for over five years.
Yet it’s not his craftsmanship making headlines. It’s a skydive. A dramatic, defiant leap aimed at raising both funds and awareness for the Motor Neurone Disease Association - a cause that’s painfully close to home.
“The skydive was actually a gift from my step mum and dad who knew I always had this on my bucket list,” he explains. “I knew it would be the perfect opportunity to try and raise money for my dad’s condition.”
It’s no ordinary adventure either. Henderson will be jumping from 7,000 feet—his first ever skydive. “Definitely a bit of both,” he says when asked if he’s nervous or excited. But behind the adrenaline lies something much deeper: a family fighting back against a disease that’s changed everything.
A Fighter’s Legacy
Henderson’s dad isn’t just his hero - he’s something of a local legend in Bristol. Before motor neurone disease (MND) began to strip away his physical abilities, he ran a boxing gym and trained hundreds of young people, including his own son. The sport stitched them close.
“He used to fight in matches in his younger days and had a very good record in amateur boxing,” Henderson recalls with pride. “He also trained my girlfriend at one point before we even knew each other!”
Now, Henderson watches his dad confront a different kind of fight—one that no training could prepare anyone for. Diagnosed in 2021, his father’s condition has progressed in ways that are both heartbreaking and humbling.
“It has had a massive hit practically and emotionally,” he says. “Even the simple pleasures of life such as being able to walk, eat and use the bathroom on his own have been taken away. The rest of the family has had to pull together to make these things possible for him.”
Yet through it all, his dad remains a pillar of strength. “Despite everything, he’s never complained. He always keeps a very positive, smiley attitude. That has inspired me a great deal—it’s shown me to always look on the brighter side of life.”
Fundraising With Purpose
The initial goal was modest: raise £500 via a GoFundMe campaign. But support rolled in faster than expected, and Henderson has now surpassed £650 with hopes of hitting £800.
“I have shared the link across all my social media platforms to try and reach as many people as possible,” he says. “It’s about showing others going through this that they are not alone.”
For Henderson, the act of fundraising is both practical and symbolic. It’s his way of coping, of contributing to a future where families like his might one day have hope of a treatment—or even a cure.
“Unfortunately, there is no medicine currently that can help with the effects or slow down the MND,” he says. “I wanted to start this fundraiser to show others going through this, and their families, that they are not alone. If together we all raise money, researchers can develop medicine to help fight this disease in future.”
And what does his dad think of the whole daredevil plan? “To be honest, he thinks I’m mad! But he is very proud of me and what I’m doing it for.”
Family Ties and Hard Truths
At home, Henderson lives with his mum, younger cousin, and girlfriend—who is expecting their first child in October. It’s a close-knit household filled with love and a strong sense of unity.
“We are all a very close family,” he says. “My dad is very much a big family man, and although we don’t live together anymore, we spend hours chatting and laughing when we do and cherish our time together. He’s over the moon to meet his first grandchild.”
Moments of joy are all the more precious given the day-to-day challenges the family faces. Some memories linger painfully—like family holidays where his dad couldn’t take part in the fun.
“It was difficult seeing him watch us all having a laugh and fun whilst all he could do was sit there,” Henderson admits. But just as many memories are marked by awe and admiration. “There have also been moments that have inspired me,” he adds. “His strength and positive attitude have shown me what it really means to be brave.”
Sky High, Grounded Purpose
As the jump date approaches, Henderson has a lot riding on that one moment when his feet finally hit the ground. Relief, yes. Pride, definitely. And perhaps a newfound respect for fear—and overcoming it.
“It is a big moment and I will be conquering my fear of heights along the way,” he says, half laughing.
He hasn’t planned the next fundraiser yet, but the idea of continuing to support MND awareness is firmly planted. “Where possible, I’ll always try to raise awareness and funds for my dad’s condition,” he says.
Asked what advice he’d offer others watching someone they love fight MND, his response is heartfelt and unshakeable: “Remain strong and positive at all times. This keeps them positive and strong to the very last. Be there as much as you can and make every moment count. Just remember—you’re not alone.”