Skydiving for the angels disguised in scrubs
Fundraiser Brooke shares the story of her baby Monty's premature birth and the skydiving challenge she's taking on to support Barts Charity.
Fundraising for a friend
Following best friend Callum’s cancer diagnosis last year, Luke dared to brave the shave in solidarity. At the time Callum was being treated at St Bartholomew’s Hospital and the pair raised a staggering £2,810. Callum reflects on the importance of his Cancer support system during treatment, how they helped keep him smiling and the difference they were able to make together.
“The haircut started as joke,” recalled Callum, “but then he did it and it meant the world to me. It gave me a focus watching the fundraising total rising.”
Luke before and after he braved the shave
Luke’s solidarity cut
Luke says: “At the time I had really long hair, all the way down my back, and Callum was losing all his hair and having a rough time with it. I thought, if he can go through all of that, I can cut my hair and support him and between us we can raise some money.”
“I just wanted Callum to feel like he had as much support around him as possible and as much as it supported him feeling like he wasn’t the only one losing all his hair, the whole process of us fundraising gave him something positive to think about.”
Callum having his head shaved, still smiling
Callum’s cancer support team
Callum’s mum Claire adds: “Luke did such a wonderful thing, shaving his much-loved hair off in support of Callum and the ward. It was a really tough time for Callum, hopefully some of the pictures will show just how happy in a difficult time the staff helped make him. Even whilst they shaved his hair he was laughing as nurse Bhavna made him chuckle and true friendships were born.”
Mum Claire is looking forward to their next visit to the hospital to catch up with their much-loved medical team.
Callum says: “Being diagnosed with cancer is dreadful but with support, determination, a wonderful team and a big smile, you can get through it. I will forever be grateful to my team who made me feel safe during this difficult time.”
Callum and Poppy getting the campervan ready for his next adventure
Exciting adventures ahead
Now that Callum’s had the all-clear, as keen outdoorsmen, he and Luke are looking forward to their reunion. The pair are headed for some adventures: hiking, camping and taking Callum’s campervan lockdown project for a spin. The van’s been lovingly named Lion after the nickname nurse Bhavna had for Callum whilst he was in hospital. We’re looking forward to seeing what Callum, Luke and Lion get up to next!
We applaud both the incredible cancer patients and their cancer support systems. The family, friends and staff working hard to always put a smile on the faces of their loved ones. From being just a phone call away, getting matching hairdos or taking on a fundraising challenge together – we can’t commend them all enough for their bravery.
