An 18-year-old from Gateshead has completed an 'amazing' skydive to fundraise for charity, alongside his 70-year-old nana. Jack Thompson took this challenge to all new heights, having fundraised extensively for Young Lives vs Cancer for several years.
A cause close to home
The organisation is one close to Jack's families' hearts, after they were supported by the charity when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour as a baby. Since then, Jack has undergone seven rounds of chemotherapy, proton therapy, and is now registered blind, but this hasn't stopped his incredible fundraising efforts.
This includes the Mini Great North Run, the Junior Great North Run, tombolas, raffles, bake sales, family fun days, and memory challenges, with Jack having raised over £230,000 for charity to date. He is hoping that the skydive will help take the total to an unbelievable £250,000.
The skydive
After celebrating his 18th birthday in July, Jack took on the skydive on Saturday, August 1, alongside his nana Elaine, who has been by his side throughout his entire journey. They were joined by Neil Mills, who recently raised more than £26,000 for the charity by running 950 miles, as well as five of his friends.
On this milestone, Jack said: "I want to raise money for Young Lives vs Cancer because they helped my family when I was a baby and I want to give back to other young people who aren't as lucky as I am.
"I am a thrill seeker, and I've done a zip wire and I love rollercoasters, so this felt like the perfect next challenge. It was amazing to do the skydive alongside my nana and everyone else taking part, and it was an experience I'll never forget."
Inspiring words
Neil, of Leighton Buzzard in Bedfordshire, also said: "People often see my grit, but what inspires me most is Jack's hope. Grit gives you the courage to take the leap; hope gives you a reason to jump.
"Standing beside Jack for this skydive was a privilege. Together we've shown that when courage meets hope, incredible things can happen and that no one should ever face life's biggest battles alone."
Charity support
Young Lives vs Cancer provides day-to-day support for each child, young person, and family from the moment of diagnosis, providing accommodation close to hospitals where they can stay free of charge, and the charity relies on donations to fund the vital work that its social workers do.
Sam Hughes, Fundraising Engagement Manager at Young Lives vs Cancer, added: "Jack is the most incredible young man who doesn't let anything stand in his way. He has done so much to support Young Lives vs Cancer and has already raised an astonishing amount of money for the charity.
"Seeing him complete this skydive alongside his Nana was incredibly special. The support he continues to receive from his community is a testament to the impact he has made.
"Fundraisers like Jack make it possible for Young Lives vs Cancer to be there for other children and young people with cancer, and we can't thank him enough."
If you would like to donate to Jack's latest fundraising efforts, you can find his JustGiving page, which has raised £4,458 of a £5,000 target at the time of writing, here.
