A man living with Down’s syndrome took on a daring adventure to raise money for a disability organisation.

David, 42, from Electric Avenue, Westcliff, went on a paragliding trip to Sussex last month. He raised more than £1,000 for Southend Mencap’s project, the Mencap Operatic and Dramatic Society (MODS).

MODS supports people living with a disability who want to get involved in music.

David was inspired to take up this high-flying mission after seeing his sister Claire paragliding in the Swiss Alps.

He said: “I was very excited to do it, I was a little nervous at first but I had a really good time. I was flying like Superman. I was flying for more than half an hour.

“I have been involved in Southend Mencap for more than 15 years. I want to raise money for them. I want to help them out.

“I saw my sister doing paragliding and thought I want to give it a try. I like doing different things, I have done skiing in Italy before.”

Despite David’s condition, he has never thought himself to be different from others. He has been working for Southend Council as a domestic assistant at the Avro/Viking Community Resource for ten years.

He is also a big Southend United and Manchester United fan.

Michael Wright, 77, David’s father, said he was extremely proud of his son.

He said: “David has lived a wonderful life, and he has surprised us all. He really has exceeded our expectations. He’s been a credit to everyone. And Claire and her husband Nick have always been supportive. They’ve always encouraged him to do different things.

“When we watched David taking his maiden flight we were so proud of him. Some people living with a disability always think they’re limited in what they can do. But David’s always showing us that he can do something that everybody else can do. “We’re happy to say he has now raised more than £1,000 for MODS. We want to thank everyone for their kindness and generosity.

“We also want to thank Southend Mencap who has been so supportive of David over the years.

“He can do anything, there’s nothing stopping him. We hear stories about people who live with a disability getting bullied, but fortunately David didn’t have to go through that. He has such excellent rapport with people. He’s very likeable.”

Valarie Wright, 82, David’s mother, said: “When David was born, we didn’t know he would have Down’s syndrome.

“After David was born, the doctor came in and told us. It surprised us, and it took a little while to take it in.

“When I was in the hospital, I remember a woman came in to visit me. She also had a son living with Down’s syndrome and she shared with me her experience.

“She was absolutely marvellous, she gave me so much support. I then joined a support group and we had monthly meetings. You then realise you’re not the only one.

“There are a lot of people out there living in a similar situation. We don’t allow David to think that he is different from anyone else. “We encourage him to do what he likes. He is a very active person, he loves watching rugby and football, he goes to work, and he volunteers for Southend Mencap.

“He has been with Mencap for so many years. He used to be their poster boy.”