A man who lost his partner of 24 years to cancer has jumped 11,000 feet from a plane in her memory — despite his own devastating diagnosis. Tom Lowery, 76, completed the skydive last Sunday (February 19) in memory of his partner Joan Lyons, who had been receiving care from St Ann's Hospice.
The retired HGV driver and Royal Signals veteran from Irlam, Salford, lost Joan in March last year. But he has also been diagnosed with cancer himself, for which he is undergoing treatment. However, that didn't stop him taking part in his parachute jump at the Black Knights Centre in Cockerham, Lancashire.
"I really enjoyed it, it was incredible – but I’m so glad to be back on solid ground," he said. Speaking before the jump, Mr Lowery said: "Thank you very much to everyone who has donated to St Ann’s Hospice, I hope they get lots of money to support them."
The pensioner, who has prostate cancer, had to get the all-clear from his doctor for the jump following his diagnosis. He said: "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."
Mr Lowery's family and friends came to support him on the day, and after his jump he said: "I loved it, but if I do anything else for charity it’ll be marathons — not another jump!" He has already surpassed his target of raising £500 and has currently raised £1,230.
"We all want to raise as much money as possible for such a great cause that supported Joan," he said. "We all want to raise as much money as possible for such a great cause that supported Joan. 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."
St Ann’s Hospice provides holistic care to patients with life-limiting illnesses, comprising inpatient care, day therapy and supportive outpatient services from its sites at Heald Green, Stockport, and Little Hulton, Salford, Greater Manchester. Anne-Marie Wynne, head of fundraising and capital campaign, said: "We are so delighted that Tom completed his amazing challenge to raise money for St Ann’s Hospice – he’s braver than all of us!
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"Every single donation makes a difference and helps us to continue providing the vital care and support to all those who visit our hospice." To donate to Mr Lowery for his parachute jump, his JustGiving page can be found here.
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