On 21st March 2007 my Father, Douglas Stokes, died at the age of only 68 years.

He had been suffering from a suspected chest infection for months and his breathing became unbearable for him. He was referred for tests by his GP and over the next few months those tests continued without any diagnosis.

In March 2007 he was admitted to Fazackerley Hospital , Liverpool, for a routine operation to remove fluid from his lungs. He was expected to return home the following day. However he remained in hospital for almost two weeks for further tests, none of which diagnosed anything. It was on the morning of 21st March 2007 that his health suddenly deteriorated. Doctors stated that he was suffering from pneumonia. I was told that his condition was life threatening and began on a 150 mile journey to Liverpool to be with my family. Withinn an hour of the phonecall, and prior to my attendance, my father passed away peacefully with my mother at his side.

It was later discovered that he had been suffering from Lung Cancer. Throughout his life my father never smoked and had never worked with asbestos related products. It is a mystery why he got Lung Cancer.

During the months prior to his death he was undoubtly in alot of pain but  he never complained about his health even when it was clear he was suffering. I have never seen him show any  fear and he was my personal role model and hero. He was a proud and loving father of four children and grandfather of eleven children and a loving companion to my mother for over 40 years of marriage.

I feel that it is fitting tribute to mark the first anniverary of his death by facing my biggest fear. Its not work before you ask , its my irrational fear of heights. I only have to be above 20 feet from the Earth and im afraid.

As my father had served in the RAF i decided that I will be taking the jump from a plane and tandem skydiving above Miami, Florida, USA. Being on a plane is scary enough for me, but jumping out of the safety of it from 13'500 feet seems totally crazy. Its the stuff of my nightmares. My palms are sweating just thinking about it  whilst i type this.

Its to take place on Friday 21st March 2008. The aim is to raise as much as possible to help find a cure for Lung Cancer and make the lives of those suffering from it a little more comfortable. I have chosen to raise money for The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation which had a dedicated unit in my home town, Liverpool.

I know there is always someone asking you to depart with your hard earned money but this truly is a worthwhile cause.Please please please give generously.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support and Thank you for visiting my fundraising page