11 Nov 2022 Community

Live and Let’s Dive 2022 to raise funds for The Kirkwood

Nichola Manning and a team of 11 others are taking on a Skydive to raise funds for The Kirkwood. Called Live and Let's Dive 2022, Nichola and her team are hoping to raise as much funds as possible for The Kirkwood.

Jumping from 15,000ft on the 12th November Nichola says whilst she will be nervous about the upcoming event she is determined to beat the challenge.

Nichola said: "We are reaching new heights for The Kirkwood and taking on the UK's highest skydive. We will be freefalling from 15,000ft and reaching speeds of up to 120 mph! I think we will be nervous but we are determined to do it."

Nichola has her own personal reasons for taking part in the Skydive and raising funds for us. She said: "My grandad Kenneth Lees and uncle Stephen King were both cared for in The Kirkwood. My grandad died back in 2003 and my uncle passed away in 2017. Obviously, the charity is self funded so I felt I wanted to do my bit with it being close to myself and our family."

Nichola has been on her own journey with a lifelong illness when at the age of 36, early in 2011 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her children Harrison and Daisy were only 2 years and 18 weeks old at the time. During 2011 she underwent surgeries, including chemotherapy and radiation. Nichola was then given the all clear in 2012. However early last year she was again diagnosed with secondary breast cancer at the age of 46. 

On her journey with cancer she said: "I was diagnosed in 2011 and was given the all clear in 2012. However, I was re-diagnosed last year. There is no point moaning about it, I just want to get on with things and live my life to the fullest.

"This time around I'm incurable. Even though every mammogram has showed clear each year following 2012 I have been re-diagnosed. This is due to a tiny dot being further back which was never detected and then over time it decided to grow.

"This is why I've chosen The Kirkwood for my fundraising skydive. It is our local hospice which is close to many of our hearts."

On how she is feeling going into Saturday's event, Nichola commented: "I'm nervously excited, I haven't done anything like this before. I like my feet firmly on the ground to be honest. I feel like when I get up there I'll be thinking what am I doing?"

"Everyone I have spoken too who has done a Skydive has said it's the best experience of their lives. I imagine it is going to be a rollercoaster of emotions. All the funds are going to The Kirkwood who are such a great cause. I wouldn't have personally picked any other charity to do this for.

"There is a team of 12 of us coming to Skydive, some family and friends are coming along to watch too so it'll be fantastic for all having their support.

"I am very proud of my amazing team of 12. As a team we'll always be truly thankful and grateful for each and every single donation we've received so far making this a successful charity event for The Kirkwood. It'll be a roller coaster of emotions for all of us on the day, from our spectators supporting us from the ground to those waiting for updates to their homes. This is something I always wanted to do, to give a little back and maybe inspire others too by uplifting spirits, bringing people together and ultimately making my children proud."

Nichola wanted to finally mention two people in particular who she is very proud to know and is part of the Live and Lets Dive team on Saturday.

She said: "I would like a special mention for Peter Cornelly, Sadly he lost his wife Tracey due to breast cancer back in January 2018, a caring lady and loving mother to Rory & Alfie, just like Grandad & Uncle Steve, she'll be forever in our hearts and thoughts.

"I'd also like to mention Tracey Hemingway, my "Breastie", my friend, she is a truly gorgeous and inspirational breast cancer survivor who I first met through diagnosis back in 2011. During the most gruelling times of our lives Chemotherapy and Radiation brought us both together and a true friendship was made of which we'll forever treasure."

Good luck to all the Skydivers from everyone at The Kirkwood.

Taking part is:

Nichola Manning

Paul Manning

Peter Cornelly

Tracey Hemingway

Becki O'Neill

Jo Neary

Jon Cornwall

Judith Burnand

Scott Bagnall

Donna Blackburn

Chris Wall

Tracey Valentine