Penwortham man diagnosed with terminal cancer fighting to raise money

A man from Penwortham who was diagnosed with cancer has skydived 15,000 feet to raise money for the cause.

Mark Rigby was diagnosed with terminal cancer two years ago. He took to the skies above Cockerham, near Lancaster, for the 2.8-mile tandem jump in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

The dad-of-two, who also has two grandchildren, joined the Black Knights Skydiving team for the highest skydive in the UK, which he hopes will raise £5,000 to help other people affected by the disease.

The 53-year-old, who worked as an electrician before his diagnosis, including several years in Afghanistan for the USA Government and military, explained: “I wanted to raise some money for Macmillan, and I thought throwing myself out of a plane sounded like a great idea to raise the stakes and some vital funds for a charity close to my heart.

“I’m not scared of heights, but I’m not a daredevil or adrenaline junky either, just daft! I didn’t have any nerves beforehand and couldn’t wait to get up there and do it. But it was absolutely brilliant and just so exhilarating.

“When I exited the plane, the views were incredible, and the five-minute descent felt like 30 seconds, especially when you plummet 10,000ft at 120mph before the parachute opens at 5,000ft! And, when I landed, I asked if I could it again! The whole experience was unbelievable, but the jump wasn’t about me, it was about Macmillan and the great work they do.”

This isn’t the first time that Mark has raised money for Macmillan as last year he ‘Braved the Shave’ and removed every hair on his head, including his trademark mohawk and ponytail, goatee beard, moustache and eyebrows to raise £250 for Macmillan.

He is already planning a charity abseil with his friend Jef Williams to raise more money for the charity next year.

Mark added: “I was diagnosed with cancer in 2021 and had four surgeries, because of a perforated bowel, and my life was turned upside down.

“Things were very hard, but Macmillan have been a lifeline for me, especially Martin and the team at the Information and Support Centre at Chorley Hospital. They have provided so much practical, emotional and financial support, from sorting out a blue badge and benefits, to just being there for a chat.

“Macmillan have done so much for me that I wanted to do something in return. I want to raise as much money as possible, so Macmillan can help other people affected by cancer, when they need it most.”

To support Mark’s fundraising efforts for Macmillan, donate here.

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