Tandem skydive raises over £2,000 for Cancer Research UK

A tandem skydive by a Whitworth trio has raised over £2,00 for Cancer Research UK.

Marie Gibbons, Secretary of Cancer Research UK (Whitworth Committee), her son-in-law, Bill Williams Jr., of ER Williams, and friend, Steve Butterworth, owner of Basil's Restaurant took part in a tandem skydive over the skies of Lancaster in July.

Marie had wanted to do something in memory and honour of the Whitworth Committee’s founder, Joyce Ashworth who died last year. 

Joyce founded the group in the early 1960s and had worked tirelessly alongside her husband, Arnold, to raise money for Cancer Research, a cause close to their hearts, every year since.

Arnold remains a member of the small committee and was delighted when Marie, Bill and Steve suggested a Skydive fundraiser, ‘Jumping for Joyce.’ 

Marie said: “Myself, Bill and Steve would like to thank everyone who has supported us.”

 

 

Every penny raised by the committee pays for vital research equipment for Cancer Research UK, based at the Patterson Institute at the Christie Hospital. 

This year the committee identified a £15,000 BIOAnalyser which the institute requires: the £2,105 raised by the skydive will go some way in helping to reach this target.

The Whitworth Committee has never failed to reach its annual target due to the kindness and goodwill of people who donate and sponsor their initiatives throughout the year.

The Patterson Institute was devastated by fire in 2017 and the research teams relocated to the Manchester Institute at Alderley Park. 

Excitingly, there are plans to build a brand-new cancer research centre on the site of the Paterson Building, due for completion in 2021.