A Derbyshire woman is preparing to leap from a plane to raise vital funds for blood cancer research. Helen Bamforth, a resident of Chelmorton, will undertake a daring 13,000-foot skydive next month to support Myeloma UK, a charity close to her heart.
Family Campaign Inspired by Husband's Diagnosis
The challenge is part of an ongoing family campaign inspired by her husband David, who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2021. This specific type of blood cancer is currently incurable, and the family is determined to raise awareness of its early signs.
The skydive will take place on July 18 at Whitchurch airfield. Helen, a manager at Scrivens Opticians in Chapel-en-le-Frith, has already raised over £1,500 for the jump alone. This latest effort builds on an incredible community fundraising drive that has seen the family team collect almost £35,000 to date.
Personal Motivation
Helen explained the deeply personal motivation behind her aerial challenge: "In 2021, my husband David was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare and, to date, incurable blood cancer. Since his diagnosis, we have pledged to do everything we can to raise awareness of this disease and to support others going through it. To date, as a team, we have raised almost £35,000."
She added: "This week is Myeloma Awareness Week, so it’s a great opportunity to highlight awareness for the disease that’s like a gift that can keep giving. On 18 July, we have our next annual fundraiser for Myeloma. I will be skydiving from 13,000 feet at Whitchurch airfield to raise funds and awareness for Myeloma UK. This skydive alone has already raised over £1,500, and we still have 33 days to go until the jump."
Importance of Early Detection
Multiple myeloma can be difficult to spot, making community awareness campaigns like Helen's absolutely vital for early detection. Helen hopes that sharing her family's journey will help educate both local residents and medical professionals.
She said: "Multiple myeloma is a cancer many people have never heard of until it changes their life, or the life of someone they love. Early diagnosis can make a huge difference, but that can only happen if more people – and more GPs – are aware of the signs and symptoms. For our family, this is about more than fundraising."
By taking to the skies, Helen aims to be a beacon of positivity for other families on a similar path. She added: "Sharing David’s story so other families recognise the symptoms sooner. Highlighting the reality of living with an incurable blood cancer. Showing hope and solidarity to anyone affected by myeloma."
Community Support
Helen, who lives in Chelmorton, Derbyshire, and works as a manager at Scrivens Opticians in Chapel-en-le-Frith, is well known in the local community. She said: "I know that local stories matter, and I would be so grateful if you could help us reach even more people with this one."
Anyone wishing to support Helen's brave leap can donate through her official online fundraising page.
