'˜Warrior' pals of woman with rare cancer skydive from 15,000ft in aid of Sarcoma UK

The 49-year-old mother-of-two from Chichester was told she had Leiomyosarcoma, a rare form of Sarcoma, after discovering a tumour the size of a small football in her right lung. 

There is no clear-cut cure, but charity Sarcoma UK estimates 10 people are diagnosed with it every day.  

But Mel has battled to change that, raising £55,000 for the initiative through her platform Let Me Be Me over the past two years.

Less than a fortnight ago that effort was bolstered by seven colleagues at Spire Hospital Portsmouth, in Havant, after they leapt out a plane at 15,000ft in a sponsored skydive. 

Taking on the title of '˜Mel's Skydiving Warriors', their bravery collected more than £1,500 and raised awareness in high-octane style. 

'˜I felt like a proud mum when I watched them land '“ it really is an amazing achievement,' said Mel. 

'˜I was initially given a 12-to-18-month prognosis but I have outlived that, so I just try to keep my head up.