Formby's longest serving GP raises £5,000 in sponsored parachute jump...

Dr Louise Jones completed the jump to celebrate her retirement and to raise cash for Aintree Head and Neck Cancer unit.

Formby's longest-serving G.P has raised almost £5,000 for a cancer unit after her husband was diagnosed with tongue cancer.

Dr Louise Jones, 57, worked for Chapel Street Surgery for 29 years but, as a result of her husband, Tony Tammadge, being diagnosed with tongue cancer, she decided to retire early.

Alongside her two children, 18-year-old Tim and 20-year-old Rachel, Dr Jones did a sponsored parachute jump in aid of Aintree Head and Neck Cancer Unit after receiving ‘outstanding’ treatment and support.

The family took to the sky on February 28, despite very unpromising grey misty weather and a tense, cold, five hour wait.

Dr Jones celebrates after the jump

Dr Jones said: " I wanted to do something special for my retirement and really make a celebration of the event so I thought I would combine it for funds towards the Head and Neck Unit to show our appreciation for their support.

“It’s such an exciting thing to do and it caught all of our attention.

"The winds were stronger than expected but we still managed the 11,000 feet high jump. It was hugely exhilarating, the biggest challenge was trying to breathe in such strong winds.

"We got blown off course, to land in a quagmire and scramble over barbed wire carrying the shute, before safe return to base.

"A hot bath and celebratory glass of wine was very much needed and appreciated after a long day."

Rachel, Dr Jones and Tim

Tony was diagnosed with cancer last July and recently underwent surgery to his tongue and had his neck nodes removed.

He then had a skin graft from his arm and abdomen and is now in the clear and working his way to a full recovery with a speech therapist.

Dr Jones said: “It was a big shock and it all happened so quickly, you don’t have time to stand still and think.

“The children were devastated but they have been a huge support for me.

“I’ve always dealt with cancer patients but to be on the other side was just surreal - but the reality is you have to get on with it. No one knows what’s round the corner.

“The level of care at the Head and Neck Unit was just outstanding. We were so impressed, they were definitely above the standard."

The family has raised more than £4,500 through their just giving websites and collection buckets at the Chapel Lane Surgery.

Dr Jones said: "I'd just like to thank everyone for their generosity, people have astounded me and been so kind."

To donate visit

www.justgiving.com/louise-m-jones/

or www.justgiving.com/Rachel-Tammadge-Tim-Tammadge/

Congratulations and well done from Formby Bubble

This Story and Photo from Southport Visitor