Tandem Skydive

Nottingham

May 2006

Jo Thurston's father died of pancreatic cancer in July 2005. She told us, " He was only 65. He had only just retired from work and was looking forward to seeing the world and spending quality time with his family. He and mum had several trips abroad planned, which all had to be cancelled. My Dad only had 6 months between diagnosis and losing his brave battle, as, by the time it was discovered, it had already affected other organs in his body. My aim is to raise awareness of this cancer and try to help others affected by it in the future."

Jo decided to raise money for the charity by doing a tandem skydive, despite being petrified of heights. "That is what has inspired me to do this parachute jump. I wanted to take myself out of my "comfort zone" and raise money for a great cause, while completing a huge challenge in my 30th year! The past year has been a complete rollercoaster for me in every way imaginable, and I know my family think I have totally lost the plot, but I need to do this for Dad....I know he would think I am mad but would also know that I am as stubborn as he was and will do it no matter what people say."

Afterwards, Jo told us, "The jump went really well! I was really scared, and didn't want to get out of the plane, but I did it and it was fabulous! Such an amazing feeling!"