by Alan Quick

THREE generations of the same family are to complete tandem sky dives this month in aid of a charity close to their heart.

Nick Cordwent, chairman of the Crediton branch of ELF (Exeter Leukaemia Fund), his son, Matthew (18) and his mother, Rosemary (86), intend to sky dive at the Dunkeswell airfield on Monday, June 20.

They have begun seeking funds from generous family, friends, neighbours and anyone who would like to support their efforts.

Nick explained: “We are doing this for such a fantastic charity as while I was undergoing initial chemo treatment for non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma my mother rang as I was going in for treatment one day to say she had been diagnosed with exactly the same condition!

“I very successfully completed my treatment last September and Mum completed hers at the beginning of March.

"Matt wanted to do a skydive for his 18th birthday that was back in January and in moments of weakness I think myself and then Mum offered to join him.

“It might loosen your purse strings a little when it is said that none of us personally will be wearing parachutes, but hopefully will be securely attached to someone who is!

“Please give generously to this fantastic charity who are making fantastic advances in the treatment and care of cancer patients, with an ever-increasing success rate.

“Just as a point of interest, the team age at the time of the jump (and hopefully afterwards also) will be 160! Many, many thanks for your support.”

Nick added that ELF supports families affected by blood cancers and blood disorders across the South West.

He said it provides accommodation, transport and patient support services as well as funding a clinical nurse specialist, a physiotherapy service and counselling services.

Nick, Matthew and Rosemary have donation forms located at the Waie Inn, Zeal Monachorum, at the “Courier” office in Crediton and at other locations where people can sign up to make a pledge.

Alternatively, a JustGiving page has been established, which includes further details and an opportunity to donate.

This can be found at: www.justgiving.com/Team-Cordwent .

An added incentive to donate is that Matthew says he will have his head shaved before he jumps.

He explained: “I’m going to do it bald! Dad and my grandmother lost their hair due to having chemotherapy, and now it is my turn. I am hoping it will encourage people to double up their sponsorship.”