Standing at the edge of an aeroplane’s door, looking down 10,000ft (3048m) at terra firma whipping past is probably a good time to start reflecting on life. Fortunately, I will have a parachute attached to my back and I am comforted by the secondary chute as well, plus an experienced professional guiding my path through the skies.
I am planning to make my charity Skydive on the October 7th, 2006, for the benefit of CancerBackup who are Europe's leading cancer information charity, with over 4,500 pages of up-to-date cancer information, practical advice and support for cancer patients, their families and carers.
My wife to be, Sukina, was diagnosed with Primary Bone Cancer in spring 2002 and, in that time, she has, like many other sufferers, completely altered her approach to life. Six months into chemotherapy treatment a wonderful surgeon at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore, Middlesex, removed her right knee joint, from mid thigh down to mid shin, and replaced it with a titanium alloy joint. He is Mr T. Briggs and he is responsible for the love of my life still having two legs and not the planned amputation at the beginning of the cancer treatment.
After the operation, she had to learn to walk again and, with the same determination that Asa and Thanos will most certainly see in their young children, Sukina eventually managed to hang up the crutches and continue with the next six months of her chemotherapy treatment. Four years on and Sukina is cancer free, however, it is not a disease that allows itself to be forgotten.
Only days after my Charity Skydive she will be going back to Stanmore and Mr. Briggs to have another operation to coat her kneecap in plastic to prevent spur growths, which are seriously affecting her walking and causing severe pain. We are not sure whether she will again have to learn to walk again from scratch, but it is a possible scenario.
We are getting married next year and I cannot wait to see her walk down the aisle knowing how much she has gone through to be there. Sukina is in no way alone with her heroic efforts to beat cancer. Sadly, nearly everybody I know has had a family member or close friend diagnosed with cancer, but what upsets me even more is that many are not alive today.
Therefore, I am trying to return some of the help and support we received during Sukina’s treatment by raising money for a charity that helps fight the disease and help those whose lives have been affected.
Any support, help, donations or sponsorship you would be willing to give would go a long way to helping others in the future. On Ovi Magazine, a site which gives its opinions on so many of the world's problems and conflicts, offers you a chance to make a difference for good.