Young teenager and her father to skydive from 10,000ft as a thank you fundraiser to Young Lives vs Cancer
A teenager and her dad are taking a life changing leap and jumping out of a plane at 10,000ft.
They are taking on the challenge to raise vital funds and awareness for children and young people during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month for a charity close to their heart.
Lily Smith and her dad Mark, from Newark, will be braving new heights and facing their fears on September 24 to raise money for Young Lives vs Cancer, the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people.
To sponsor Lily and Mark for their sky diving effort, go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/h-smith-1685444075424. For more information about Young Lives vs Cancer’s work go to http://www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk
Lily decided to take on the amazing challenge when her sister Evie was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at just 19 years old.
Following the diagnosis, Evie received financial and emotional support from her local Young Lives vs Cancer social worker.
The financial support helped Evie to be able to afford transport to and from the hospital, for her vital appointments and treatment, alleviating some financial worries brought on by her cancer diagnosis. With treatment, Evie is currently doing well.
Lily, 16, said: “My dad and I are very proud to be part of Team Young Lives as we know from our own experience that the charity can make a huge difference to young people and their families dealing with cancer. I am very excited to take on this challenge, and hope to raise as much money as possible for this fantastic cause.
Evie said, of the support she received from Young Lives vs Cancer and of her sister and dad for showing their support by taking on this challenge: “I can’t thank Young Lives vs Cancer enough for the emotional and financial support they gave me. They have been amazing whilst I continued with my first year of university in Birmingham. I am so proud of my dad and Lily and can’t wait to see them do their jump”
Last year in Nottinghamshire, Young Lives vs Cancer helped 128 families find the strength to face everything cancer throws at them.
The charity gave out 106 financial grants to the value of £16,921 helping families to cope with the costs of cancer. The Cancer Costs report from the charity found that families with a child on active treatment spend an extra £730 a month due to their cancer diagnosis.
Claire Tregunna, Young Lives vs Cancer fundraising engagement manager in the East and West Midlands, said: “When cancer strikes young lives we step in to help families find the strength to face cancer. We rely entirely on donations to fund our vital work and so we can’t thank Lily and Mark enough for their fantastic efforts. They are an amazing and inspiring family.
“This big challenge they are taking on will make a massive difference for young people with cancer. Just like Evie, by helping us ensure they are getting the right support they need.”
