Lance O'Sullivan: Taking a big leap for a good cause

Dr Lance O'Sullivan takes a bungy jump from the AUckland Harbour Bridge to raise money and awareness for Muscular Dystrophy in New Zealand. Photo / Supplied

Bungy jumping off a bridge takes guts - but so does dealing with an often debilitating disease.

Well-known Kiwi doctor Lance O'Sullivan was one of five fathers showing their support for the Freedom Appeal for Muscular Dystrophy New Zealand, by bungy jumping off Auckland's Harbour Bridge yesterday.

Dr O'Sullivan's 7-year-old son, also named Lance, has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Often referred to as DMD, it is a progressive disease that affects one in 3600 baby boys in New Zealand.

Symptoms include progressive muscle degeneration and weakness and usually start showing before the age of 6, but can also show in infancy.

"Lance requires help to get out of bed, get dressed, have a shower and get to school - all the things we took for granted with the other kids.

"I'm deeply committed to raising awareness of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and the work of the Muscular Dystrophy Association of New Zealand."

Yesterday's jump stunt was carried out by the AJ Hackett Bungy NZ company.

**To donate or for more info visit: Muscular Dystrophy New Zealand.