Patient plans plane jump to raise awareness
A BRAVE woman who was diagnosed with incurable ovarian cancer just two weeks before she got married plans to raise awareness of the cruel condition by leaping out of a plane at 11,000ft.
Chris Thomasson-Dale, 63, was told she had stage-four cancer, the most advanced kind.
So, after tying the knot with her husband – also called Chris – she was rushed into The Christie hospital, in Manchester, to begin chemotherapy treatment in June 2022.
Since then Chris, a chocolatier from Horwich, has taken part in a clinical trial and had new chemo treatments that have extended her life.
Now she wants to help others by performing a string of daredevil stunts. As well as the skydive, she will take part in the 10k Great Manchester Run next month. And this week she will fly to Spain to walk 70 miles of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage with her husband.
Chris told the Daily Express: “Taking on these challenges is a big thing for me but I am proof that people with cancer can live full, active lives.
“I’m not going to let cancer hold me back.
“I’m making the most of every day and know that taking part in research will help the next generation of people who come after me.
“I’ve had different types of treatment and been on a trial and it’s all giving me more valuable time to spend doing the things I love with the people I love.” Around 7,500 women a year in the UK are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. But it can be hard to spot early. The Christie’s Dr Jurjees Hasan said: “One of Chris’ main symptoms was weight loss, but others include bloating, feeling full quickly, and abdominal pain.” ● Sponsor Chris’ skydive at www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/christine-thomasson9