On Skydive Weekend – June 7th and 8th – our brave team of fundraisers will jump out of planes at airfields all over the country to mark World Brain Tumour Day (June 8th). Chris and Anna explain why they decided to take the leap!
Anna’s Story
My mum didn’t get a choice in her fight. But I get to choose to do something scary, to honour her, and to help others going through this awful disease.”
Anna
On Sunday, June 8th, Anna, from Nottingham, will take part in Skydive Weekend and do her jump at Langar airfield – in memory of her mum, Katharyn, who died in April last year. Anna said:
“My mum was everything. She was warm, wise, and just had this quiet strength about her. She wasn’t loud or flashy, but she had a presence that made everyone feel at home. She gave the best hugs that made all your worries melt away, and she had this dry, cheeky sense of humour that would catch you off guard and have you howling. She loved her family and friends fiercely, and no matter what was going on, she made you feel like everything would be okay. She really was the glue that held us all together.
When Katharyn was diagnosed with a meningioma, her family were unprepared for what was to come. Anna explained:
“When the word tumour entered our world, we were blindsided. It was like being dropped into a storm with no map or compass.”
Anna admits she’s dreading “that moment at the edge of the plane – I get nervous going down an escalator!” But the courage shown by Katharyn during her illness inspired her to take on this challenge and push herself out of her comfort zone.
“I wanted to do something bold, something that reflected my mum’s bravery. Because Mum was brave every single day of her illness.
“A skydive felt like the perfect way to honour her courage and turn fear into something powerful. Plus, it gets people talking. And if scaring myself silly helps raise money and awareness, then let’s do it.”
“By taking on a challenge that makes people stop and say, “You’re doing WHAT?!”, I hope to shine a light on this issue. To raise money that funds research, supports families, and brings us closer to a world where diagnoses like my mum’s don’t come with so much fear and uncertainty.
“My mum didn’t get a choice in her fight. But I get to choose to do something scary, to honour her, and to help others going through this awful disease. It’s the least I can do—for her, and for every family who’s facing this nightmare.”
Chris’s Story
Despite being very nervous we will be doing this for a very worthwhile cause.”
Chris
Falling 10,000 feet at 125mph takes guts! Chris, from Hornchurch, Essex, admits she’s apprehensive at the thought of jumping from a plane, but a desire to raise funds – and draw attention to brain tumours – will spur her on. Supported by two friends, both of whom have done a skydive before, Chris is inspired to take to the sky on June 7th in tribute to her husband Kev, who died last September.
“Kev was a lovely, kind, funny person – the “life and soul” of every party. He was enjoying his retirement after 50 years working in schools. He loved being a dad and grandad and had many hobbies. We went on many special holidays and enjoyed weekends away in our caravan, kayaking on several UK rivers.”
In 2019, Kev was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and underwent surgery the same year. He subsequently became a supporter of Prostate Cancer Research, raising thousands for the charity. It was after a fundraiser for them in July last year, kayaking the River Thames and raising £1,200, that he noticed a lump on his back. This was later diagnosed as a malignant melanoma.
Just a few weeks later, Kev was experiencing “flashes” in his eyes, and loss of balance. At the end of August, after CT scans, Kev was given the devastating news that he had “numerous” brain tumours. Chris said:
“Brain tumours were something we had no knowledge of and there was no history of this in his family.
“His diagnosis so was quick, and for someone so ill, he looked so well.
“In the middle of September, we visited the oncologist at Bart’s Hospital who told us he had metastatic cerebral lesions. Because there were so many, there was limited treatment available to him.
“Despite this heartbreaking news, Kev continued to live every day to the full, and sadly passed away two weeks later, at the end of September 2024.”
Chris’s Skydive will mark part of Kev’s 70th birthday celebrations. Earlier this year a group of his friends walked from Upminster to Canterbury – along the Pilgrim’s Way – a walk Kev himself had taken 29 times. Chris said:
“Both my friends have undertaken a skydive before, and say it is an unforgettable experience.
“We’re doing this to help raise awareness and sponsorship towards vital research.
“It’s so important to raise awareness of signs and symptoms of brain tumours and to promote this charity in the hope that one day a cure can be found, and that no other families have to live through the heartache of losing someone they love to this cruel disease.”
Inspired by Skydive Weekend? Take on your own challenge!
Whether you need support with your fundraising, training tips or even fancy organising your own skydive, challenge or trek, we’re here to help you every step of the way! Find an event: