A brave skydiving novice will plunge thousands of feet to thank city haematology staff for caring for his uncle.

Christopher Challenger lost his grandad to cancer last year before finding out his uncle had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma- an uncommon form of cancer affecting vessels and glands throughout the body.

The Killamarsh daredevil says his parachute plummet is the least he can do to thank staff at Sheffield’s Royal Hallamshire Hospital for the compassion and care they are showing his uncle.

I'm doing this as I wanted to give something back to the NHS for his amazing care and treatment

Christopher said: “The past few years have been pretty tough, with my grandad losing a hard-fought battle to cancer and my uncle, Nicholas Challenger (40), being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma around twelve months ago.

“Uncle Nicholas had been suffering with symptoms including hot night sweats, tiredness, itching and anaemia. After diagnosis he needed eight months of chemotherapy and a stem cell treatment.

“I’m doing this skydive as I wanted to give something back to the NHS for the amazing care and treatment provided for him. Nothing has been too much trouble. 

His consultants have provided care and compassion...

“Family and friends have also taken part in many activities, from marathons, to beauty treatments, cake stalls and getting creative with Easter treats to generate funds to support other patients fighting blood disorders.

“His consultants have provided care and compassion, explaining each procedure, and all of the staff on the wards have been unbelievable keeping spirits high with true dedication. 

“I would also like to personally thank John Cocker, my uncle’s husband who has been an absolute rock to him throughout this ordeal. Unbeknown to us, he had been suffering with symptoms for a good eighteen months prior to diagnosis and John supported him through those difficult days.

“But also not to forget the strength, determination and fight my uncle has had throughout this.  He has faced this head on without a second thought. He is a true inspiration and will overcome this.

“In his own words – ‘I’ve had it, I’ve got it and I will fight it!’”

Chris hopes to raise £1,000 which will go directly to the haematology department at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. Visit Chris's online fundraising page here

Sheffield Hospitals Charity has places for various skydive dates available.

Click here for more information or to sign up