13 Jun 2019

Lucy’s skydive for her Dad

Lucy took on this challenge to support us in June 2019. Here is her story in her own words 

In 2007, my Dad, Phillip Johnson, was diagnosed with leukaemia after a routine blood test at a doctors appointment. I remember my Mum and Dad sitting my brother and I down and telling us Dad was ill and needed to stay in hospital from now on. That year was spent visiting him after school, and sneaking takeaways into his room for him.

After a long stay in hospital, blood transfusions and bone marrow fusions, Dad was finally in remission. I remember feeling like the dark cloud hanging over my home was lifted as he was allowed to return home.

After being made redundant, he found a new job and life was ‘back to normal-ish’ again, until a check-up appointment in 2009 confirmed the cancer had returned.

We lost my Dad to Leukaemia on 21 December 2009, leaving behind a wife, a six-year-old son and a 13-year-old daughter. He still had so many years and so much love to give, but cancer has stolen those memories from us.

Dad was loved by so many and although my brother and I only got to spend a short while with him, he will forever be known as the kindest, bravest Dad in the world.

I completed my skydive for Leukaemia UK and have managed to raise more than £806 in memory of my Dad. It was an amazing experience and I am so pleased I have raised awareness for the charity. Thank you to all my friends and family for donating!!

We are very grateful that Lucy has chosen to support us in memory of her Dad.

You can support the work of Leukaemia UK, by donating here

Related posts

Together we are changing lives – Here’s how your support is making it happen

3 July 2025

Together we are changing lives – Here’s how your support is making it happen

At this point in our advocacy journey, we wanted to share an update to you, our supporters, on everything we’ve achieved so far and what’s next as we continue to…

International Childhood Cancer Day: Dr Samanta Mariani reflects on her research into infant leukaemia

11 February 2022

International Childhood Cancer Day: Dr Samanta Mariani reflects on her research into infant leukaemia

On International Childhood Cancer Day, Dr Samanta Mariani reflects on her research into infant leukaemia, what drives her in her work and her hopes for the future.

Leukaemia UK announced as one of five charities for star-studded event Shall We Dance? with Dame Arlene Phillips and Anton Du Beke

26 October 2021

Leukaemia UK announced as one of five charities for star-studded event Shall We Dance? with Dame Arlene Phillips and Anton Du Beke

Leukaemia UK is delighted to have been announced as one of five charities for whom the proceeds of a new star-studded dance event, Shall We Dance?, will go towards when it takes place next year.

Who’s Cooking Dinner? to return on Monday 19th September

1 August 2022

Who’s Cooking Dinner? to return on Monday 19th September

Who’s Cooking Dinner reveal all star Chef Line Up Famed Charity event to return on Monday 19th September For the past 24 years, Leukaemia UK, the leukaemia research charity dedicated…