Going into space with Parkinson's is magical

Ex-Olympian, 80, on his inspirational voyage

- CHRISTOPHER BUCKTIN

THE former Olympian who is today set to defy Parkinson's disease to become the oldest Brit to go into space says the flight will be magical.

Jon Goodwin, 80, added he hopes that soaring to new heights despite having the debilitating condition will inspire others dealing with difficulties.

He will be Virgin Galactic's first paying tourist with the prospect of floating weightless for a few minutes and seeing Earth from about 55 miles away.

Jon said: "From becoming an Olympian to canoeing between the peaks of Annapurna, to winning a six-day race in the Arctic Circle, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and cycling back down, I've always enjoyed rising to new challenges.

"When I was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2014, I was determined not to let it stand in the way of living life to the fullest. And now for me to go to space with Parkinson's is completely magical.

"I hope this inspires all others facing adversity and shows them that challenges don't have to inhibit or stop them from pursuing their dreams."

Jon bought his ticket for $250,000 (about £200,000) in 2005 when a launch date of 2008 was mooted.

It was pushed back each year and he put it to the back of his mind. Then disaster struck.

Jon said: "In October 2014 a Virgin Galactic test flight crashed and the co-pilot was killed. It was human error. They learned from what happened and made some safety modifications - but it stopped me in my tracks, thinking I could have been on it."

Jon's personal setback was the same month, when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's after two years of symptoms.

He said of his daredevil antics over the years: "For some reason, I seem to attract myself to these experiences.

"But when I got diagnosed with Parkinson's, I thought, well, that's it they're not going to accept me."