While most of us look forward to our birthdays for the presents and cake, one boy is excited because it finally means he can throw himself out of a plane.

Sam Kimche, of Colvin Gardens, Hainault, has been waiting for his 16th birthday which is the minimum age you have to be to go skydiving.

He is doing the dive on July 14 in aid of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) after suffering with type 1 diabetes all his life. So far he has raised more than £1,000 already.

“I’ve always wanted to do a skydive and wanted to do it for a charity,” said Sam, whose efforts have seen him nominated for the Recorder/Redbridge Rotary Club Young Citizen Award, sponsored by Exchange Ilford.

“The JDRF have done lots for and helped me so I thought I would do it for them. They help me understand about it.”

The JDRF work to find a cure for type 1 diabetes and to improve the life expectancy of those with it.

In type 1 diabetes the pancreas stops making insulin which means the body cannot process sugar into energy. If it is left untreated it can be fatal.

Sam said: “It’s something that I have learned to live with. All my friends know about it and it becomes part of your life and you accept it and you can do anything. I just need to be constantly aware of my blood sugar levels.”

Three years ago, Sam had a special machine fitted which controls the insulin in his blood.

He said: “I need to take precautions but it’s not really stopped me doing anything.”

Different people react differently if their insulin levels drop, with some people becoming confused or fainting.

Sam said: “Without the medication we would be in a lot of trouble and might not be able to be revived. I become confused and a bit wobbly so if I’m on a train platform I could fall on to the tracks.”

n To donate to the cause, log on to www.justgiving.com/sue-kimche.