Parachute payments

Josh Woor, from Oldham, is undertaking a parachute jump, this coming April, with the Black Knights, at their centre in Cockerham, Lancashire, to raise funds for Christies.

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

AN 18-year-old who battled testicular cancer is about to take on the second biggest challenge of his life ­- jumping 15,000ft out of a plane.

This time last year Oldham Sixth Form student Josh Woor was forced to face up to the devastation of his shock diagnosis. A short time later he had a large tumour removed at North Manchester General Hospital.

The surgery was a success and determined Josh even managed to complete his studies and gain a place at Salford University to pursue his dream of a business and information technology degree.

Every month Josh returns to The Christie. He's been so overwhelmed by their care and compassion ­- not just for him but for his parents and two brothers Harry and Bradley ­- he's decided to say thank-you in his own way.

Josh, from Fitton Hill, and his dad Colin, will both take on the daredevil stunt in April at the Black Knight Parachute Centre, in Lancaster, to raise money for the cancer treatment centre.

"There are many reasons behind me doing this," said Josh.

"I've got two younger brothers and they came along with me and the rest of the family to The Christie. They didn't just look after me they looked after them as well and the doctors and nurses offered so much support. They even offered to go into school where my brothers go to talk about it and help them through it.

"Being able to speak to them and other cancer patients has really helped me through this. When you're sitting in the waiting room the doctors just come out and speak to you, asking how you are and the nurses just chat to you like nothing's happened. It's a very special place and I'm very grateful to them."

Josh, a former Waterhead Academy student, is still waiting for the all-clear and hopes from next month his trips to The Christie will reduce to just four times a year.

He said it took him a while to accept the diagnosis and it was also a big shock for his friends.

"I've been told testicular cancer is fairly common in people my age but in the time I've been going to the hospital I've never seen anyone as young as me," said Josh.

"My friends were really shocked when I first told them and I don't think they really knew what to say or how to react but once they knew I was happy to talk about it they were fine and having them to talk to has also really helped.

"Because I have two younger brothers as well I think it's important to raise awareness and no matter how old you are you should check yourself.

"I was in the shower when I found a lump and the doctor just thought it was an infection but a few days later I woke up with pain so severe it made me sick. I went to the Royal Oldham Hospital and they thought it was testicular torsion but after ultra sound and scans they discovered the tumour."

Josh is now competing with his dad to raise the most sponsorship for their skydive.

"We couldn't be more proud of Josh and the way he's got through this ­- he's been superb," said Colin (39) who works for Crown Oil in Bury.

"If this has taught us anything it's to make the most of life as you never know what's around the corner.

"Equally important as raising the money is to raise awareness of testicular cancer in young adults. Cancer doesn't discriminate against age ­- it can attack anyone."

Josh added: "I'd just like to say how fantastic and supportive my family and friends have been throughout this and my girlfriend, Alexandra Noble, and her family. They've really been there for me and I want to appeal to as many people as possible to sponsor me and help me raise as much as possible."

You can sponsor Josh at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Josh-Woor.