I’ve decided to take a leap of faith and jump 15,000ft out of an airplane in memory of my best friend, Michael Charles Esslemont, who passed away at 3am on 10th July 2019. 

Michael was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at just 4 years old, a disease that is usually diagnosed early to mid 20’s, and who later passed away from cancer before his 30th Birthday. Crohn’s disease is a debilitating condition that causes inflammation of the gut. There is no cure and people with inflammatory bowel disease are at greater risk of cancer. 

Michael was an inspirational man who, despite his life long condition, made the most out of life. Michael swam with sharks, climbed mountains, travelled to different countries, helped rescue and rehabilitate Africa’s Big 5, perused a career in animal nursing and was studying to become a qualified veterinarian. 

Michael was a quirky character; one minute he could be the most professional well-to-do person and the next turn around and put you in your place by saying “what you chatting” and, whenever he couldn’t get his car into gear he would say “if you can’t find it, grind it”. (Now any time I crunch my gear box or hear someone else do so I can’t help but laugh out loud). 

Michael was the best; friend, brother, uncle, son, grandson, cousin, nephew that anyone could ask for. Michael impacted so many people's lives and he was loved dearly.

People suffering from inflammatory bowel disease are likely to experience; abdominal pain, diarrhoea, tiredness, fatigue, mouth ulcers, feeling generally unwell, loss of appetite, weight loss and anemia. That’s without cancer (which is a whole other story, which I won’t get into). 

We all know to a greater or lesser degree how it feels to be poorly and no one deserves life long suffering. 

Your donation will help people like my friend Michael to live more comfortable lives and hopefully some day find a cure, or at least find better treatment options so that symptoms aren’t so severe and the risk of cancer is reduced. 

And, on a selfish note, you will help my grieving heart as this is a way for me to express my love for him. Michael wasn’t a friend he was my brother and I miss him. I am booked to jump on the day of his second anniversary since he passed away.

So what better way for me to pay tribute to and honour my chosen brother, Michael, than to do a Skydive. Something he probably would have done himself. 

Thank you for reading. Your donation will help make a difference - we all deserve good health. 

Hannah-Lulu xoxo.