'I'm a 76-year-old with prostate cancer, this is the…

'I'm a 76-year-old with prostate cancer, this is the reason I'm going to jump out of a plane'

Aged 76, struggling with prostate cancer, Tom Lowery says the medications he's on are making him too weak to take on a marathon. Instead, he's going to jump out of a plane - for an incredible reason.

Tom, a retired HGV driver and Royal Signals veteran, watched as his partner Joan Lyons sadly succumbed to cancer in 2022. Joan, his partner of some 24 years, was a patient at St Ann’s Hospice in Little Hulton and was cared for there until she died in March last year.

Joan had been ill for three months with a brain tumour before her tragic death. But Tom, who is himself is enduring his own cancer diagnosis, has bravely decided to take on the remarkable challenge of skydiving in her memory.

Tom is carrying out the parachute jump to raise money for the hospice where his beloved Joan spent her final days. Tom says: “In March 2022, we very sadly lost Joan, a fabulous wife, partner, mum grandma and friend to many.

"Joan received excellent care from St Ann’s Hospice despite being in the throes of the latter months of the pandemic. It’s quite simple really, I’m just going to get in the plane and jump out!”

Tom has chosen to embark on the skydive as he says this has been on his bucket list for a long time: “I want to raise money and awareness for St Ann’s Hospice because of the brilliant support they give to their patients.

Tom and his beloved partner, Joan (Handout)

Tom had to get the all clear from his doctor for the jump following his own prostate cancer diagnosis, continuing: "I have prostate cancer so the drugs that I’m on have made me too weak to take on a 24 hour walk or a marathon. This is the next best thing I can do - I’ve never done a parachute jump before so I’m very excited.”

Tom will be doing the parachute jump later this month in Lancashire, with Joan’s daughters and grandchildren watching and supporting him. He has already surpassed his target of raising £500 but is asking for more donations in memory of Joan.

“All the family are very excited and can’t believe I’m doing a skydive. We all want to raise as much money as possible for such a great cause that supported Joan," continued Tom.

"Her last days were spent peacefully at the hospice and their incredible staff provided our family with kindness, support and a much-needed sense of peace at the end of her life. So far I’ve raised over £800, and we’d love for this number to keep rising so the hospice can continue helping their patients and provide them with the care they need.”

Anne-Marie Wynne, Head of Fundraising and Capital Campaign, says: “We are delighted that Tom is doing this amazing challenge to raise money for St Ann’s Hospice – he’s braver than all of us! Every single donation makes a difference and helps us to continue providing the vital care and support to all those who visit our hospice.”