An 89-year-old great-grandfather is preparing to skydive today in memory of his late partner.
Bob Sarjantson, from Upminster, will take on the challenge to honour Hazel Sargent, who died last year from myeloma - an incurable blood cancer.
Bob hopes to raise £2,000 for Myeloma UK to help fund research into new treatments and, eventually, a cure.
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Bob said: "We had a lot of fun together, Hazel and I. I think she’d be proud of me for taking on this skydive challenge.
"I had never heard of myeloma until Hazel got her diagnosis."
Myeloma is a form of blood cancer found in the bone marrow. It affects more than 35,000 people in the UK and is the third most common type of blood cancer.
Despite its prevalence, myeloma can be difficult to detect, as symptoms such as back pain, fatigue, and recurring infections are often mistaken for signs of ageing or less serious conditions.
According to charity Myeloma UK, almost half of myeloma patients wait more than five months for a diagnosis and about a third are diagnosed through A&E.
By then, it says many are already experiencing severe or life-threatening complications.
While myeloma is currently incurable, treatment can lead to periods of remission, though the cancer will inevitably return.
Matt Wynes, director of fundraising at Myeloma UK, said: "We can’t thank Bob enough for his incredible support and for going above and beyond for the myeloma community.
"We receive no government funding for the work that we do so voluntary donations, fundraising and gifts in wills are the lifeblood of Myeloma UK.
"It’s thanks to supporters like Bob that we can continue to fund vital research into new treatments, and ultimately a cure, as well as essential support services for patients, their families, and those affected by myeloma."
Bob has already raised more than £1,000 for Myeloma UK.
Of Hazel, he said: "I miss her a lot. I’m nervous about the jump, but I want to make her proud."
To support Bob’s fundraiser, visit justgiving.com/page/for-hazel-sarjantson.
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