A WIDOW has jumped from 13,000-feet for a skydive challenge in memory of her husband who battled oesophageal and stomach cancer.

Jackie Misell, from Newton-le-Willows, took to the skies, in aid of Willowbrook Hospice who cared for her husband, Simon who passed away on February 6, 2018 aged just 49.

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The couple had originally met as teenagers but lost touch until they were reunited a few years ago through Facebook. Their relationship went from strength to strength despite Simon being diagnosed in January 2016 with oesophageal cancer. Following treatment and the all-clear, the couple went on holiday to Majorca in October that year where Simon proposed.

Tragically, in December 2017, the couple’s plans were put on hold as Simon was told that the cancer had returned and had spread to his stomach. He was given the devastating diagnosis that the cancer was terminal.

As Simon’s condition worsened, he was transferred to Willowbrook where Jackie and the rest of his family continued to support him around the clock.

Although Simon was deteriorating, the couple decided that they both really wanted to go ahead with the wedding and with the help of Willowbrook and the charity ‘Gift of a Wedding’ the couple were married in an emotional ceremony at the hospice on January 12, 2018.

St Helens Star:

Jackie (left) took on the skydive in memory of Simon

Jackie said: “Willowbrook is a very special place. They let us hold our wedding there with 50 guests and gave me the most treasured memories of our wedding day. When life went topsy turvy it was a safe haven for us.

“Both myself and Simon wanted to do and see so much that I believe that I ‘owe it to him’ to try to do all the things we planned to do before he was sadly cheated out of his life at 49.

"Doing a skydive was one of the things we’d talked about so I decided to sign up to help give something back to Willowbrook for the amazing care and support they gave Simon and the family. Jumping out of a plane at 13, 000 feet was a thrilling and exhilarating experience and I know that Simon would have been proud of me and how much money I managed to raise for Willowbrook.”

Melissa Kenny, fundraiser at Willowbrook, added: “Jackie is an inspirational woman and has done a fantastic job raising over £1,600 for Willowbrook in memory of her husband, Simon.

Every penny of the money raised will go towards helping us to continue to care and support other people like Simon, Jackie and their families.”

  • For more information on how to support Willowbrook – whether donating, taking part in one of their events or organising one – please contact the Fundraising team on 01744 453798.