Terry Cook, Sean Harper and Sam Cottle are due to complete the challenge over the August Bank Holiday weekend, hoping to raise £5,000 for Prospect Hospice.
The fundraiser, named One Last Jump, was inspired by Terry’s determination to complete a skydive from his bucket list.
Terry, from Stratton, underwent months of tests and investigations before being diagnosed with an extremely rare form of terminal cancer.
By the time the cancer was identified, it had already spread. Specialists told Terry they had never encountered his particular case before, making treatment options difficult.
Since his diagnosis, Terry has focused on making memories with his family and friends and completing experiences on his bucket list.
He married his wife Katie last December while continuing treatment, with a skydive among the experiences he wanted to complete.
Terry said:
“When I was first diagnosed, everything felt so uncertain.
“There were so many questions that nobody could answer, but one thing I did know was that life is too short to put things off. That’s why I started my bucket list.
“The skydive is something I’ve always wanted to do, and being able to share it with Sean and Sam means a lot.
“Prospect Hospice has been unbelievable throughout my cancer journey, and if we can raise money to help them support other families like mine, that would mean the world to me.”
The friends are due to complete the jump at Skydive Hinton in Brackley.
Sean Harper, co-founder of Swindon’s Just For Fun Holiday Club, initially became involved when he was asked to sponsor Terry.
But after a joke between the pair, Sean decided to join Terry and Sam for the jump.
He said:
“It all started when I was asked if I’d sponsor Terry for his challenge.
“He jokingly asked if I wanted to do it as well. A skydive has always been on my bucket list, and I realised I didn’t really have a reason not to do it alongside Terry and Sam.
“My children will be there on the day to support me and my son thinks I’m going to be Superman, which is lovely to hear.
“Although catching villains isn’t really my special power. If taking on this challenge helps Terry reach his fundraising goal for Prospect Hospice, then it’ll all be worth it.”
Terry’s wife Katie is the group’s reserve jumper and will take his place if his health prevents him from participating on the day.
More than £2,500 has already been raised towards the £5,000 target.
The money will support Prospect Hospice, which provides specialist end-of-life care for patients and their families across Swindon, Marlborough, north Wiltshire, Lechlade and Fairford.
Sean hopes people across Swindon will support the fundraiser and help the group reach its target.
He said:
“We know it’s an ambitious target, but if people can get behind Terry, support an amazing local charity and help us reach that figure, it’ll mean an enormous amount to all of us.”
The One Last Jump fundraiser can be supported online at www.gofundme.com/f/one-last-jump.
