WATER sports fan David Webster took a leap into the unknown after he was inspired by a visitor to his club.

David, of Dawson Street, Bury, was in awe when he witnessed blind skier Janet Gray take to the ramp at Whitworth Water Ski Centre and decided to take a jump for himself -- blindfolded.

The 29-year-old quickly arranged the feat with the help of disabled club coach Andy Knowles, who guided him through the jump by shouting instructions from alongside.

David raised £800 to buy special equipment for the Cowm Reservoir club, one of only a handful of venues that cater for disabled water sports lovers in the country.

David said: "I saw Janet doing a jump and thought how amazing it was and that I would like to put myself in her place.

"I tried to get a few people to jump with me but they told me I was mad."

On the day of the event computer network engineer David braced himself for the approach to the ramp -- and an amazing experience.

He said: "Although Andy shouted 'ramp' I didn't really know when it was coming and hitting it was the strangest feeling ever.

"You are deafened by the most eerie noise and your legs just buckle. Then there is silence as you travel through the air and a final bang as you hit the water."

In October David returns to his regular sport, competing in the World Kneeboard Championships in America. He hopes the final total from the jump will top the £1,000 mark.

To donate cash, contact David on 07812 833236.