“THE genuine terror I felt was nothing compared to what people go through with a cancer diagnosis.”
That is what one brave Redditch mum said after she completed a tandem sky dive to raise money for Shine Cancer Support last week.
Despite her fear of heights, Mary Taylor, aged 60, took to the air in aid of the specialist charity which helped her son battle cancer.
“I hated every moment of it, but I knew I had to do it,” she said after she was back on solid ground.
“Shine helped my son so much and I just wanted to thank them for the support they gave Robin during his illness.”
Mary’s eldest son Robin, then a fit, active, healthy 33 year-old, was diagnosed with Burkitts Lymphoma in December 2014 – a type of fast-growing cancer.
“It felt as though the bottom had fallen out of our world, particularly as many of those we loved, including all four of Robin’s grandparents and his auntie, had lost their battles with cancer. We very much feared the same fate for Robin,” she said.
He had to undertake very intensive chemotherapy during which he lost three stone and all his hair, but he is now back to full health.
The Church Hill resident added: “Robin was exceptionally brave throughout his ordeal – far, far braver than I was.
“Any discomfort and fear I faced when jumping out of that plane pales into nothing when you consider what some people are facing with cancer. So I am glad that I did it, even though it was terrifying.”
Shine specialises in helping young people dealing with cancer. To find out more visit http://bit.ly/2siTISn
