Oliver Hammond could find easier ways to raise money for research into mesothelioma, but none of them would have created that kind of enthusiasm.
a plane he will jump ?? to 12,000 feet.
Hammond was looking for a way to help fight malignant pleural mesothelioma from watching grandfather die of his girlfriend's disease in 2011, another victim of occupational exposure to 'asbestos.
Since then, the ideas came and went without much happening ?? until his instincts took over. The idea of skydiving caught and kept his attention.
"I've never done this before, but I love a good adrenaline rush. I like to go fast. And I love doing new things. So it seemed perfect, "said Hammond. "I even told my best friend to do with me. He will be so nervous, it will probably shit himself. "
Hammond, 19, is a student studying history at Canterbury, England, where he was born and grew up. His childhood friend is Charlie West, 20, who is afraid of heights, but ready to take the leap, too, because the cause is good.
They will jump April 6 at Headcorn Airfield in Kent, England. They are encouraging friends to watch the jump, and strongly encouraging everyone they meet to pledge a donation that will be shared between the Charitable Trust mesothelioma UK and Action Trust Sebastian.
mesothelioma UK is a non-profit organization formed in 08 which raises money to support patients and families affected by mesothelioma. one of its goals is funding a special care program in the UK which trains nurses to treat patients with mesothelioma. another goal is research.
Action Trust Sebastians specializes in the care of patients terminally ill children, and includes a facility where children and their families will help and also for entertainment.
"They are great charities, good causes that Charlie and I felt strongly about," said Hammond. "Sometimes there is a stigmatization of people of our time, we do not care to do good. We want to help change that. I think it is vital for young people to do this stuff for good causes. We tried really hard to spread the word to our friends. "
They have a website that makes it easy for anyone to pledge to the cause. One of the donors also left a note that . did both laugh "Try not to die," she said, knowing that they jumped before another said. "good luck guys hope you raise a ton of money.. "
Everyone will be parachuting in tandem with an experienced instructor, which is necessary for an inexperienced diver. They have already paid for their adventure of skydiving, ensuring that all donated funds go directly to charities.
As a student of history, Hammond was particularly interested in the history of asbestos, which is the main cause of mesothelioma cancer. Asbestos was widely used in the United Kingdom through much of the 20th century.
Hammond was also in contact with the Foundation Mesothelioma Applied Research (MARF), which is based in the Washington DC area and is experienced in raising funds for research.
When MARF symposium in Las Vegas earlier this month, there was a session directly related to fundraising base that has become so essential to raising awareness in this country. Families in the past did things such as organizing bike races, road races, poker games, potlucks, wine tastings, and even football games.
Rarely mention much he had to jump from a plane.
"My mother was totally against. She will not come. She does not even know the exact date, "Hammonds said." This is why I had to wait until I 18 to do this, because it would never have signed for me. I just hope Charlie made it through. it'll be fun. And it surely is for a good cause. "
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