Poplars pair to skydive for children's cancer charity
Poplars Garden Centre general manager Alastair Jackson and leisure assistant Mikala Cornwell are doing a charity skydive in July to raise funds for charity.
Mikala’s godson Rhys Kiernan was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2011 so the Children’s Cancer Charity CLIC Sargent seemed the perfect charity to support. The skydive will take place at Sibson Airfield near Peterborough on Saturday, July 20.
Both Alastair and Mickala have always wanted to do a skydive – it was one of the things Mickala said she'd do before turning 40 while Alastair admits to having a midlife crisis.
Rhys was diagnosed with a slow growing, cancerous brain tumour at the age of four and he has undergone several life-saving operations.
After the tumour was successfully removed, Rhys had other complications. He developed a form of Meningitis and also Hydrocephalus (water on the brain). He then had a shunt inserted directly into his brain, which controls the fluid and disperses it into his abdomen.
Rhys spent many weeks in hospital and for most of this time, he was bedridden. It was a very difficult time for his family but he still managed to smile and make everyone laugh!
Thankfully, Rhys is now a healthy, happy and very lively five-year-old. He still has to have 6 monthly check-ups and for his family, every little ache or pain is a constant worry!
While Rhys was in hospital, money was very tight for his family. Mum Keely lived at the hospital and dad Leigh ran the family home, looking after their two other sons Ethan and Harvey and holding down a job.
They were introduced to the work of CLIC Sargent, and were given a grant which helped Leigh to afford the two-and-a-half hour journey to the hospital every day.
CLIC Sargent also offered support, advice and someone to talk to.
"We are so happy to be able to help raise funds and awareness for this fantastic charity to enable them to continue helping families deal with cancer," said Alastair and Mikala.
Rhys was diagnosed with a slow growing, cancerous brain tumour at the age of four and he has undergone several life-saving operations. 
