Published 14 July 2011

Soap star swaps the cobbles for the treetops

High ropes adventure course, Aerial Extreme, is set to welcome a familiar face from one of Britain’s most famous streets to its Trafford Centre inner-city site.

Julia Haworth, who played Claire Peacock in the long-running and ever-popular soap Coronation Street, is ready to tackle the numerous obstacles and prove her mettle to raise money for a cause that’s close to her heart.

Though the celebrity is in for a thrilling session of jumping, climbing, swinging and zooming down zip lines at up to 46-feet off the ground, the driving force behind this day is more than having fun. Julia hopes to spread awareness and raise funds for DebRA, a British medical charity dedicated to the curing of Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a genetic disorder that causes blistering and shearing of the skin from even the slightest friction.

Support

Actions as everyday as rolling over in bed can result in areas of skin tearing away, and preventing risk of infection through open wounds is a constant battle. Though not contagious, there are around 5,000 people of all ages in the UK suffering from this debilitating and painful affliction.

DebRA provides financial aid through support workers, specialist equipment and outreach nurses that will visit a newborn baby in hospital and provide advice on how best to handle and care for the child, a service that is continued in the home with regular follow-up visits.

Julia, hailing from Greater Manchester, has been a devoted supporter of DebRA for many years, but the soap star won’t be alone when she scales the ropes on Monday 18th July at 2:30pm. Joining her on the course will be Mathew (17), whilst Rees (4) cheers them on; both lads are EB ambassadors, brave victims of the condition. Mathew and Rees also live in the area, so they’re thrilled to be participating in a day of fun and excitement that will raise awareness in their region and benefit EB sufferers all across the UK.

Ironman

Also wishing to show his enthusiasm and do his bit for such an essential charity, Aerial Extreme’s Managing Director, Sinan Osman, will be undertaking the Ironman Triathlon on 31st July. This will consist of a 2.4 mile swim in a lake, followed by a 112-mile bike ride (with 2,000m of climb) and culminating in a 26-mile marathon run. Sinan hopes to raise £3,000 for DebRA in memory of his lifelong friend Pete Freeland.

“I had the immense pleasure of knowing Pete for almost 30 years,” said Sinan. “He was my best man and godfather to my daughter Fern. Choosing the beneficiary for my pain was simple; DebRA is a charity that has been very close to the Freeland family for many years.”

* Those who wish to join Julia and Sinan in helping people like Mathew and Rees can do so by donating any amount they wish to Sinan’s Ironman challenge online: www.justgiving.com/sinan-osman

Take a look below for pictures of when Julia Howarth visited Aerial Extreme High Ropes Adventure Course.