A TEENAGER who bungee jumped off a 160ft viaduct for charity said he thought he was going to die on the way down.

Daredevil Chase Jackson, 16, leapt off the bridge in Whitby to raise money for a sensory garden for his younger brother.

Doctors diagnosed seven-year-old Kurt with an extreme form of autism as a toddler and he has the development age of a six-month-old baby so needs 24-hour supervision.

His family is raising money to create an outdoor space with water features, a sand pit, soft play equipment and a trampoline to improve his quality of life.

Chase’s recent challenge has raised around £1,000 towards the £15,000 target.

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Chase, who is from Perkinsville and goes to Park View School, in Chester-le-Street, said: “It was a bit nerve wracking when I was in the minibus on the way up there and I when I got up there the nerves really started kicking in.

“My heart dropped when I was on the edge of the bridge, but I still went ahead with it.

“On the way down I thought I was going to die for split second. The bungee elastic didn’t seem to kick in until I was near the bottom.

“It was like free falling. Ii felt like a lifetime but it was only a matter of three seconds and I kept my eyes open.

“It was worth it though. It raised £1,000 and the family are over the moon.”    

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The Northern Echo: Chase with his brother Kurt. Picture: NORTHERN ECHOChase with his brother Kurt. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO

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