My name is Val and I'm a wife to Mark, a proud Mum of 4 as well as a privileged Nannie to 12 amazing grandchildren. One of whom, is my reason for doing this skydive at 68yrs of age!9

Our grandson Jack's Cancer story:

Started in January 2024, after aches and pains in his upper arm since the previous summer and after being seen back and forth by GP's, physios and orthopaedic specialists - a mass was finally detected in his bicep.

Following an MRI and then a visit to a consultant in Oxford, it was suspected that he had Ewings Sarcoma (a type of cancer) a biopsy was then carried out.

But the following week, after severe back pain meant a trip to A&E - further scans were carried out and more cancer deposits were found in multiple places in Jack's spine. Sarcoma is very often misdiagnosed, and although not common is mainly prevalent in teenagers and young adults.

His chemotherapy, and radiotherapy journey then began.

Unfortunately Jack's treatment options, came too late and devastatingly after a fierce battle he passed away just a few months later in August 2024 at the age of 22.

He was a much loved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, friend and work colleague - and is truly missed by so many.

Jack was best known for his beautiful smile, unwavering compassion and enthusiasm for life.

He will also be remembered for his kindness, empathy and laughter which he maintained until the very end - he would not, and did not give up or stop believing he was going to win his fight against Cancer.

Young Lives vs Cancer have been truly amazing, firstly supporting Jack during his treatment journey - and then helping my daughter Lorraine, husband Jim and grandsons George and Charlie navigate the heartbreaking and unthinkable life without him.

This charity helps children and young people (0-25) and their families, find the strength to face whatever the cancer diagnosis throws at them.

Offering day to day support including information, guidance about clinical care as well as specialist play during treatment.

The care teams, also work with the young people and families to help them get essential financial support. They can help with Young Lives vs Cancer grants, and assist with claiming / getting any benefits they are entitled to.

The nursing team can provide personal care, and support at home. They also have Homes from Home, close to hospitals where families can stay during treatment for free.

Hearing your child isn't going to get better, is every parents worst nightmare. This charity, helps to prepare for the unthinkable. We encourage them to think about how the child/young person can be remembered. They provide bereavement support through home visits, local groups and arrange memory day - all the time trying to help the families find a way to cope with the emotional pain.

Please now help me, to enable them support other young lives and families when most needed. Any donations, big or small are appreciated.

A £10 donation can provide toiletries, washing powder, cleaning products as well as food; essentials that make every day that little bit easier when it matters the most. After all, when you're in and out of hospital during treatment it's the little home comforts that can make all the difference.

A £26 donation can help pay for an hours care, from a specialist Young Lives vs Cancer social worker. When children, young people and their families receive the devastating news that's its cancer, these social workers are there to step in at the very beginning.

A £60 donation can pay for a family to stay overnight in one of the 10 homes from homes across the UK. These homes, are more than just a place to stay that's close to the treatment centres. They provide a good night's rest, instead of a hospital chair. It's the chance to have a home cooked meal and freshly washed clothes.

Thank you for your support 💜