A YOUNG woman has raised almost £1,000 for a cancer charity after her mum was diagnosed with the condition.
Shannon Jones, 20, has organised two events - a skydive and football match - to raise money for Weston Park Hospital.
Her mum Kath Jones, 49, of Ravenna Close, off Doncaster Road, Barnsley, was diagnosed with bowel cancer shortly before Christmas after experiencing symptoms including back pain, shooting pains in her legs and trouble walking.
She has had radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment at Weston Park Hospital in a bid to shrink the tumour, an operation to remove it and is now having more chemotherapy to kill off any remaining cancer cells.
Shannon had originally planned to do the skydive in March, but it was postponed on doctor’s advice. She is now gearing herself up to jump from a plane at 13,000ft.
So far she has raised more than £900.
Shannon, also of Ravenna Close, said: “I had a few health problems and the doctor said to put it on hold and give it a few months and I’d be able to do it. “I’m fine now, and I’m really scared but I’m excited about it. It’s like my nerves have gone because it’s been booked before. “It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do, and what better option than to do it for a charity?”
She said it was a shock when her mother was diagnosed, but that she now seemed to be doing well.
“She’s doing good now, she’s still having chemotherapy and this might make her poorly over the next six months. But it’s just a precaution to get rid of any cancer cells.”
Shannon also organised a charity football match between Lundwood and The Miners which will take place at Athersley Rec.
