A THRILLSEEKER will soar across the River Tyne in an adrenaline-boosting stunt to raise money for a Darlington schoolboy.

James Watson hopes to raise £1,000 for Muscles for Mitchell by leaping from the roof of Newcastle’s Baltic art gallery and zip-wiring across the Tyne on Sunday, March 5.

MFM, which has raised almost £40,000 since 2014, was established by the family of eight-year-old Mitchell Tinkler, who suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

The initiative raises awareness and funds to support treatment and research into the debilitating muscle wasting condition.

Mr Watson, who lost a close friend to the illness as a child and has a daughter in Mitchell’s class, said the cause is close to his heart.

Mr Watson, who is a DJ and runs Darlington Film Club, is also one of the organisers of the Soul All-Dayer taking place at Darlington’s Voodoo Café from 4pm until late on Saturday, May 13.

All proceeds from the event, which features sets from Eddie Piller and Mark James and live music from King Bee and Weekend Sun, will go to supporting MSM.

Mr Watson said: “When Mitchell was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, it brought it all back to me, remembering my friend and his struggle.

“I always try to do what I can to help with this condition and it’ll be the zip wire next – I spend a lot of time on roof tops at work but never jumped off one before. I’m not scared of heights but the only zip wire I’ve done has been at the park with my kids, it should be good fun.”

Mitchell’s mother, Kate Tinkler, thanked Mr Watson and other fundraisers, saying: “Their efforts are heart-warming and give us the resolve to keep fighting for better treatment and research to improve Mitchell’s life in the future.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com/jamesjwatson21.