In 2020, 20-year-old James King developed violent headaches and went to Specsavers to see if he needed spectacles. At the consultation, the optician told James: “You don’t need spectacles, you need a doctor urgently.”
Within hours James was at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, who did tests and transferred him immediately to Northern General Hospital. They removed a large brain tumour. Unfortunately, after testing the removed tumour, it proved to be graded malignant.
From then on, James visited Weston Park Hospital for radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment. He was very positive and brave for over three years of ‘battling his cancer’ but eventually it got worse. He spent time at Bassetlaw Hospice, where his family say he was cared for wonderfully for almost four weeks. He passed away on 26th April 2024, just 24 years old.
His Auntie Suzanne and fiancée Chloe, decided to do a skydive in his memory, which was completed at Hibaldstow Airfield on 25th July. Three of James’ friends also took part. Their sponsorship raised a fantastic £10,830, which was equally divided between Bassetlaw Hospice and the Teenage Cancer Trust at Weston Park.
Some of the skydive team were delighted to be able to present Bassetlaw Hospice with a cheque for £5,415.