In February 2015, Lauren McFerran was diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma. Following numerous operations, Lauren had six weeks of Radiotherapy at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. For the last five years, Lauren has organised an annual fundraising event alongside her best friend, India who was by her side, every step of the way when Lauren was being treated at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. Due to the ongoing pandemic, it was not possible for them to host their annual fundraiser.
In November 2020 Lauren celebrated 5 years of being cancer free, and to mark the occasion and to say thank you to the Clatterbridge staff, both Lauren and India took part in the Charity's popular Skydive Sunday event on September 27th 2020 and together they raised more than £2,500 for the Charity!
"November 2020 marked my official 5 years of being cancer free! India and I decided to take part in Skydive Sunday as we really wanted to not only raise some money in place of our event, but we wanted an exciting way to mark my 'cancerversary'. What better way to celebrate 5 years than to jump out of a plane! The Skydive was very much a bucket list event that both India and I wanted to take part in and the day was incredible - if not slightly nerve-wracking when we realised we would be first up to jump!
However, the experience was unreal, the views were amazing, and the buzz afterwards was electric. The weather was perfect for us on the day and we both landed saying we would absolutely do it again! The biggest highlight for me was being able to have shared this experience with my best friend - there is no-one else I would plunge 15,000ft for! To anyone thinking of taking on the Skydive Sunday event, we would say go for it! You will have the most amazing experience and come away with some fantastic memories. The money you raise will have a real impact on people going through cancer and the sense of pride and achievement afterwards when you've completed an event makes it worth the while!"
We would like to say an enormous thank you to Lauren and India for taking on this incredible event and for their continued support. Since 2015, Lauren and India have raised more than £12,000 for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity!
Thanks to their help and support, we can continue to make the hospital a truly special place, helping our patients – young and old – get the best possible care. If Skydiving has always been something you wanted to tick off your bucket list, then take a look at our Skydive Sunday event for more information, or get in touch with us at ccf-tr.fundraising@nhs.net or 0151 556 5566.