A DUNDEE father, who has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, is facing his fear of heights in the name of charity.
Ian Coombs, 46, was left in “total shock” when he was diagnosed with MS three years ago.
In 2013, the engineer became alarmed when he lost motion in his left eye and had to move his whole head to check his car mirror.
Ian, of Mid Craigie, was rushed to hospital for an MRI scan and was later diagnosed with MS, a disease of the central nervous system.
But now he plans to face his fear of heights — by abseiling down the Dundee University Tower building in June.
The following month his friend John Roy, 46, will undertake a cycle challenge — as he takes part in Ride London, a 100-mile cycling event.
He added: “John has been involved in a number of charity fundraising projects and I decided to get him to help me with this. I’ve decided to do an abseil, which is mad considering me and heights don’t go.”
He will be accompanied on the abseil by his 17-year-old daughter, Craigie High School pupil Megan.
Ian added: “It’s been three years since I was diagnosed. It was just a complete and utter shock.
“I was a healthy guy. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.”
Dundee FC supporter Ian says he will be eternally grateful for all the help he has received from the NHS since his diagnosis and wants to give something back to the MS Society.
He added: “Without the work and research the MS Society do, I may not have received the medication which has given me the chance to continue to live my life.”
Ian will tackle the university tower on June 25 and John will complete the cycle event on July 31.
He added: “I certainly need somebody to hold my hand.
“My daughter was certainly more up for doing it than I was.”
Ian has been overwhelmed by the amount he has already raised and is edging towards his target.
He added: “I have been overwhelmed by the response and the incredible amount we’ve raised so far.”
Anyone wishing to find out more about Ian’s journey should visit justgiving.com/iancoombs-johnroy.