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Challenges
Challenge Cancer Through Adventure exists to enable
residents of the Peak District and surrounding areas, who have cancer
or a terminal illness to live a dream by having a life time adventure
experience. On this page we bring you the stories of those
people who have taken that Challenge and had that experience.
If you feel inspired, want to take up the challenge and realise that adventurous
ambition, contact
us here.
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Steve's Kite Surfing
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In 2006 I was diagnosed with a relapse of the cancer I had beaten in
2001, Hodgkins Lymphoma. Aged 29 I knew I had a huge battle again
, especially now I had 2 pre-school children to support. After months
of chemo and a stem cell transplant I was lucky enough to go into
remission
Challenge Cancer Through Adventure gave me the oppurtunity
to go Kite Surfing, I decided to take the Kite Surfing course 12 months
after my
transplant.
It was
one of the most exhilarating and demanding experiences physically
I have ever undertaken. I had the time of my life and during my
course
I often felt like I was laughing in the face of my cancer. It was also
a great celebration of my 30th year and 12 months remssion date.
I
am extremly grateful to the team at Challenge Cancer for this
chance of
a lifetime. Thank You |
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Dawn's Balloon Ride
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I was diagnosed with breast cancer
at the age of 29, 1 week after returning from my honeymoon. Therefore
the year
that followed
was a really challenging one for both my husband and I as we faced
surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments together. Therefore
being able to go on a thrilling hot-air balloon ride on my 1st
wedding anniversary and 1 week after finishing my treatment really
marked the end of a challenging year for us.
The balloon ride was
just the most fantastic experience ever. I can't begin to tell
you, but I will have a good go! We first
got stuck in helping to inflate the balloon and set it all up ready
for our "Exclusive for Two" flight. Then it was jump
in and lift off.
Take off was
a really funny sensation, like being on a huge open-air elevator,
I loved the feeling and it felt so
safe up in the air too.
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We first flew over the Peak district
and Chatsworth House and then the wind carried us over the rooftops
of
Chesterfield. We flew so low over the houses I was even able to
wave to the people below. The landing was pretty bumpy and the
basket
ended up on its side so we really felt we had recieved the full
ballooning experience.
All in all it was just amazing. It is all
thanks to Challenge Cancer Through Adventure.
They arranged it all for me and even turned up to get stuck in
with the balloon inflating. I cannot begin to express how much
I appreciated it. I would recommend a balloon flight to anyone.
Thanks everyone from James and I! |
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Sarah's Motor Racing
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Sarah Stevenson, who has cancer of the liver, contacted Challenge
Cancer Through Adventure about her dream; to drive a racing car
at the
donington
Park Circuit.
We were happy to oblige. Here are some pictures of Sarah's dream
coming true. Click on the pictures to see the bigger picture.
Sarah's husband Mike, wrote :
"Sarah and
I are very grateful for Challenge Cancer's support, the brief experience
which she
got a few weeks ago at Donington was a huge morale boost and she
had been enthusiastically looking forward to going to Rockingham...
She also asked me to thank you, particularly, for your kindly
support.
the brief drive which she had at Donington
was great!
...
Challenge Cancer's
contribution to Sarah's life was immensely valuable, she enthusiastically
looked forward to her Donington experience and enjoyed that part
of it which was completed before the weather put a stop to driving.
Keep up the good work, every person you help will get a great and
hugely valuable experience."
Yours, Mike Stevenson |
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Young Achievers 3/6/07
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In June this year, Challenge Cancer Through Adventure organised
and funded an activity day for young achievers, at Duke's Barn
Activity
Centre
in Derbyshire.
Pictured are Lucy, (top) who brought her parents and a friend
along to share the fun. Lucy has cystic fibrosis, and is certainly
not letting that get in the way of having a good time on the
Ropes
course.
Ellis (below) brought her brother and her mum.
Ellis has a kidney tumor and had a great day trying all the outdoor
activities.
The Activity Day was led by Graham Jones assisted
by Caroline Brunt. The parents joined in and all had a great day
on the new Duke's
Barn
Ropes
Course
followed by a brilliant time abseiling off Millersdale Bridge.
If you click on the pictures, you can see a bigger version. |
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Melissa's Skydive 21/4/07
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I am a 25 year old who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in October
2006, and I contacted Challenge Cancer through Adventure during
my treatment.
I wanted to do someting exciting to mark the end of the chemotherapy
and give me something to look forward to and aim for.
Consequently on 21st April 2007 I jumped out of a plane at 12000
ft high and have never had a feeling quite like it! Everytime
I watch my experience on DVD it makes me cry, to describe it
in one word would be: MAGIC.
It meant so much to me and I loved it, I have Challenge
Cancer through Adventure to thank for that and helping me throughout
this journey.
Lots of love
Melissa x
(If you click on the pictures, you can see a bigger version.)
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Keith's Skydive Challenge
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My name is Keith Harding. At the age of 65 I was diagnosed with
an aggressive type of prostate cancer. Following a radical prostalectomy
(shortly after the diagnosis) I made an uneventful recovery. Within
one month I was out cycling approximately 25 miles per day and
doing long long walks with my dog. I remain extremely active and
enjoy a challenge.
On my 67th birthday I achieved my dream and did a sponsored
parachute jump to help raise funds for Rotherham Cancer Care
and Challenge Cancer Through Adventure.
Throughout this period I have had tremendous support and encouragement
from Rotherham Urology Team and Rotherham Cancer Care, an after
care service.. for people with Cancer. Challenge Cancer
Through Adventure gave me the opportunity to realise
my dream. I have managed to give a little back for all the help
that is on offer.
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Carol Challenged Cancer
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My name is Carol Wriggleworth, I am 42 years old, have 3 children
and live in Sheffield.
I was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer in January 2001, where
I underwent surgery, with everything going well. I still have
6 monthly check up at Western Park Hospital.
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Following a school residential in 2004 to Lockerbrook where
I missed out on the chance to do an abseil, I have been keen to
try, wonder what it would be like.
On the day I was apprehensive, a little frightened, but very
excited about doing the abseil. I am glad I did it, I can now
put into words my feelings as I stepped over the edge of the
bridge. Half way down I started to relax a little, and just enjoy
the thrill. I enjoyed it so much I did it again, twice.
I would like to thank Challenge Cancer for giving me the opportunity
to experience something that I thought I would never do.
Thank You.
Carol.
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