On Saturday 20th April 2024, my husband Mike, will be doing a 15,000ft skydive (the highest skydive in the UK) to raise funds for The Christie Charity.

In April 2022 my gorgeous Pappa, Toni, was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. As you can imagine, this news shocked and devastated the whole family. A fews weeks later, we found out that the cancer had spread to his liver and that it was in fact terminal. I will never forget being sat in the room with my Mam and Pap when the oncologist told us that if he agreed to have the recommended treatment, the expected length of time he was likely to have left with us was about 12 -14 months. I'm crying like a baby while I write this, remembering how this felt at the time. It was definitely one of the worst days of my life.

Since that day, Pap has fought this horrible disease with positivity and pure grit and determination. Always smiling and making others smile. Those of you that know him, will agree with me when I say that he is truly inspirational.

We are now 2 whole years on - well into what I call our 'bonus time' and thankfully he is still going strong!

During this time, Pap has received treatment at The Christie Hospital in Manchester. They have been nothing short of amazing. As a family, we cannot thank them enough for providing such fantastic treatment and care. We have experienced nothing but empathy, kindness and warmth from them. As a result, we have been able to make even more memories and have celebrated some big milestones like Pap's 70th birthday and Mam and Pap's 50th Wedding Anniversary.

Don't get me wrong, it hasn't all been plain sailing. It's been an emotional, physical and mental rollercoaster for all of us and it has impacted us all in different ways. For me personally, it's been the toughest thing ever. Pap's positivity, his strong zest for life and the love he gives makes it easier for me to deal with on a daily basis. However, there have been many days when reality kicks in and I've struggled to accept (and to deal with) the fact that one day I'm going to lose my king, my hero, my teacher, my cheerleader, my go to person when I need a hug, the man that has always made me feel safe and loved. That's me crying again.

For now, we make the most of every day and I'm super grateful for that!

Please consider donating to this amazing cause if you can. Christies will forever hold a special place in mine and my family's heart and we will be forever grateful for what they have done for us.

A huge thanks to Mike for being the one that's brave enough to do the Skydive. Good luck darling - I hope you enjoy it!

Please support Christies so that they can continue to save lives, to make breakthroughs, to hold hands, to wipe tears, to lift spirits, to raise funds, to ring bells and to ultimately beat cancer!

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

I love you Pap. I will forever be Pappa's little princess xxxx