john leahy-mallen
Big john's, one ball, big jump and Gary's big push , big row joint page
Fundraising for It's On The Ball
Story
Firstly thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
May I take this opportunity to explain why I am doing this tandem parachute jump.
Back in October 2013 I was diagnosed with testicular cancer.This came as very very big shock to me not because of my age, 58 , it is and was an unusual age to get this.
However after much debate, tears and cuddles I had the operation to remove my infected testes and began the journey of recovery and now have 3 monthly monitoring trips to my local hospital the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
My treatment has been swift, professional and caring in every aspect and detail.This is the main driver for me, an opportunity to return and give back something.
So on Saturday the 13th September at Ellough Airfield Beccles, Suffolk , i will be doing exactly that.
In tandem my best friend Gary Anderson will commence a monitored rowing marathon in his home town of Shoreham on Sea. Again Gary has not only individually sponsored me but is donating all his funds to my designated charity "Its on the Ball".
Here below are some words directly from my good friend and co fund raiser Gary.M.Anderson.
Hello to all you potential contributors :-)
I've decided to try and help my close, close pal of many years in his attempt to raise a target £5,000 for 'It's On the Ball', a very worthwhile charity, please see http://itsontheball.org We're all more aware of testicular and prostate cancer because of recent national initiatives by larger charities but smaller, more locally based ones have an equally important part to play in helping sufferers and their families when on the ground support is required the most. John, with such support, came through his ordeal in exemplary fashion and we hope that we can raise money to ensure that such support is more available to more people in the future.
Jumping out of a 'plane is not something that I can sensibly do, challenged as I am with hearing and (air pressure) balance related issues, but I am capable of other challenges and endurance tests. So, as I'm an indoor rower, I've decided to row the marathon distance, some 42,195 metres, on the same day as John does his jump. I can't pretend that I'm looking forward to the numb bum that sitting on a rowing machine seat for 3 1/4 hours gives you, nor the blisters on hands (and sometimes feet) but I am looking froward to helping John to achieve a goal that he is so very passionate about.
If you think that such a feat deserves your support, I'd be very grateful to receive it :-). Thank you.
Gary Anderson
I wish him well in his efforts
It just leaves me to say thank you to you all for your donations big and small, and your overall encouragement.
Again many thanks
Johnny boy xx
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