There are challenges in all our lives that sometimes come along when we least expect them to. Not so long ago, on March 8th, I heard the news that my 16-year old cousin Jago was being blue lighted to hospital after a tumour was found in his brain. Emergency surgery revealed a Germinoma brain tumour. Since then he's currently undergone three bouts of chemotherapy and recuperates at home in between the hospital stays.

I'm keen to raise awareness of the Germinoma brain tumour and the signs and symptoms that may help spot them sooner, and improve chances of recovery. But I'm also doing something else.

On 11th June I've decided to make a tandem skydive. It'll be taking place at the Old Sarum airfield on the northern outskirts of Salisbury, in Wiltshire. At an altitude of 15,000 feet I will freefall for one minute and approach speeds of 125mph before the rip cord is pulled.

Awareness is one thing, but funds to fight the ongoing battle towards a cure, and funds to look after those most in need are just as important. Everyday 7 young people aged 13-24 are told the dreaded words "you have cancer". Teenage Cancer Trust provides unique care and support, designed for and with young people. They fund specialised nurses, youth workers and hospital units in the NHS to ensure all young people have the correct staff and facilities to support them through treatment.

I'm not jumping to a conclusion in assuming you will make a donation to the Teenage Cancer Trust, but as you've read this far... My aim is to raise £1,600 - that's £100 for every year of Jago's life so far.

As people, we sometimes only exist when we leave our comfort zone and go into those dark places beyond our limits. I want to get sufficiently out of my comfort zone so that Jago, and other teenagers with Cancer can undertake their treatment within a warm, loving and secure, comfortable zone.

Thanks for reading,

Joe x