A man from Rochdale is preparing for an ultimate adrenaline challenge to raise money in thanks to the experts who are looking after his 16 year old sister.

Leon Boland, 22, will be taking part in a charity sky dive on Saturday 13th March to raise money for The Christie and is hoping as many people as possible will support his fundraising mission.

Leon's sister Sophie was diagnosed with lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system on the 27th September last year, just two days before her sixteenth birthday.

The consumer sales trainer for British Telecom said; "The cancer was in its last stage, very aggressive and had spread to several parts of her body. I felt like my world had ended, I was gutted.

"As a family it killed us and we didn't know what to think, but we all pulled together and Sophie was a rock and kept us all going."

Sophie underwent several tests and began chemotherapy treatment at The Christie's teenage cancer unit.

Leon added; "The treatment did make her quite ill and she's lost her hair too which was heartbreaking for her and all of us - although I do keep on telling her she still looks stunning and gorgeous without it!

"On the 12th January this year we received some good news at last - the cancer was reducing. That really gave us hope and put a smile back on all our faces. She's going strong and doing amazing - I'm the proudest brother in the world.

"A lot of people fundraise in memory of someone who's battled cancer, but I know Sophie will make it. So I'm not just doing this skydive just for her - I'm doing it for every person who's had cancer, lost someone to cancer or knows someone with cancer. I know Sophie isn't the only person on this planet with it - it's such a cruel disease - but you've got to have hope.

"The money I raise will go to the teenage cancer unit at The Christie, which helps not just the person battling cancer but their family too.

"This unit is fantastic and it's heart warming what they do. The nurses are amazing, do everything they can and put their heart and soul into their work. So this skydive is in praise to them too!

"All I ask is that people give whatever they can. I know times are hard, but seeing my sister having to battle cancer at such a young age has just been heart-wrenching. And I know the research experts at The Christie are working hard to stop other people having to go through this. They need our support to carry on doing this. Please help me raise money towards this fantastic and worthwhile cause. Visit www.justgiving.com/Leon-Boland."

Catherine Flannigan from the events team at the Christie charity said; "Leon's story has moved and inspired us all here. It's always so touching and wonderful to hear when someone wants to do something so amazing and daring in order to say thanks to The Christie.

"I hope that Sophie continues to remain so strong and courageous."

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