Sisters take to the skies to say thank you for care at cancer hospital

29th May 2015

Two sisters from Sheffield are jumping from a plane in June to raise vital funds for the regions specialised cancer hospital.

Mother and grandma, Jo Chapman (57) from Stannington has vowed to embark on the UK's highest tandem skydive this summer alongside her older sister, Kay, to support Weston Park Hospital. Jo and Kay will be amongst a group of brave jumpers taking on the 15,000ft free-fall dive on the 14th June, all hoping to raise much needed sponsorship for Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity. Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity is the only dedicated charity for the hospital and exists to support the world-class cancer research and to improve the treatment and care for people living with cancer. In 2013, keen dancer, Jo embarked on a health and fitness drive and promised to get moving more in a bid to lose weight. As well as regular trips to the gym, Jo found a love of belly dancing and took part in several dance events as part of a dance group she formed in 2007. But in 2014, whilst her fitness drive was going from strength to strength, Jo began to feel unwell after finding a lump under her left armpit. She was sent for a biopsy and within days she received the unexpected diagnosis of B-cell Lymphoma. Lymphoma is a blood cancer, which appears as a solid tumour most commonly in the lymph nodes of the neck, chest, armpit or groin. B-Cell lymphoma is the most common sub type of Non Hodgkin's lymphoma, which is the 6th most common cancer type in the UK. -It came as a complete shock. Said Jo, -It was definitely difficult for me and my family to come to terms with the reality of living with a cancer diagnosis. Jo began receiving chemotherapy treatment and was offered to take part in a clinical trial which she happily agreed to. Jo continued, -It was a no brainer for me to be involved in a clinical trial and help shape the future of treatment for patients facing a cancer diagnosis in the future. -In the midst of all the turmoil and apprehension it was actually my family who were affected the most as they felt completely helpless. Although still receiving treatment at the Hallamshire Hospital, Jo, who is afraid of heights, decided to set herself a challenge to help support the vital work of Weston Park Hospital. -I decided to take on a skydive as it was something which would really push me to my limits whilst raising much needed sponsorship for Weston Park Hospital's dedicated charity. -My sister very bravely said she'd like to join me and it's great that we can take this challenge on as a daring duo- the support from my family has been truly incredible! The cancer charity needs to raise over £1.8 million this year to enable the funding of committed and new projects that will keep Weston Park Hospital at the forefront of cancer treatment. Throughout 2015 the charity will fund various projects to enable the continued improvement of Weston Park Hospital; including the expansion of research studies, improving the way cancer treatments are delivered and supporting the ongoing care provisions of patients and their families affected by cancer. For the first time ever, the cancer charity has organised a dedicated jump day, where supporters wanting to take to the skies and raise money can do so together on the 14th June at Hibalstow, Lincolnshire. Other dates are available for those who are unable to make the jump day. To reach their fundraising total for the big day, Jo also organised a dance night at Davys Sport Club on the 15th May, where money from the raffle and tickets contributed to the final total. Charity Fundraiser, Sarah Cross said, -We are extremely grateful to Jo and her sister for taking to the skies for the Big Jump and helping to raise vital funds for their local cancer hospital. It's set to be an exciting day with all our supporters jumping together! -We're urging anyone who wants to take on a big challenge to sign up today and help raise vital sponsorship for the cancer charity". To sponsor Jo and Kay for their skydive visit their JustGiving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/Josephine-Chapman To find out more information or to take on 'The Big Jump' for Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity visit: www.thebigjump.org.uk and request a jump information pack.

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