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I want to raise funds for Charis Cancer Centre by doing a charity Sky-dive for them.  This is not  because I am having a mid-life crisis (well, I will be turning 50 later this year!!) but because this charity had a very significant impact on my recovery from cancer treatment in 2018.  

The aim of this centre, which opened 8 years ago in Cookstown,, is to care for anyone diagnosed with cancer, along with  their family, friends & supporters. It provides a caring holistic approach, aimed to complement clinical cancer treatments, whilst also assisting families and supporters of those living with cancer or anyone bereaved by cancer. Both physical and psychological support is provided in the form of nutritional advice, body therapies, reflexology, counselling, massage & aromatherapy.

The centre is located at the foothills of the Sperrins overlooking Lough Fea, in a beautiful former residential dwelling kindly donated to the charity by a local businessman.  The centre receives no government funding and is totally dependent on fundraising activities and donations to cover it’s estimated £300,000 per year costs. Since opening it’s doors in 2010 Charis has helped around 6000 people through its cancer care services.

I myself experienced the Charis Centre services following my own diagnosis and subsequent surgery and treatment for breast cancer over a year ago.  I can only say what a truly special place this is, an oasis of serenity and support  in the midst of what a nightmare experience cancer brings.  My family & friends who came with me on different occasions to Charis would also agree that having seen the care that Charis offers, it is so vital to help support them to allow their wonderful services to grow.

Charis now has plans to extend their existing premises to meet the ever increasing demands for its services which is why I felt the need to help them this year by fundraising. I am funding the cost of the Sky-dive myself so that any funds donated will go directly to Charis.

I am very fortunate and grateful that I am presently clear of cancer. I also know that it is estimated that 1 out of 2 people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives.  Help me to help Charis continue to provide vital cancer care services which, whilst none of us would wish to be in a position to consider using, so many of us have, and will be, touched by the devastating effects cancer can have.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.  If you wish to donate that would be greatly appreciated and I promise I will put some photos up of the Sky-dive after the event on the 4th May! I can’t chicken out of it now!!