Teenage best friends from Burscough to leap 14,000ft from plane in memory of grandparents lost to cancer

Feb 28 2013 by Rob Pattinson, Ormskirk Advertiser

TWO teenage best friends born a week apart are preparing to plunge 14,000ft from a plane together in memory of their grandparents.

Joanna Lowe and Jess Edwards will take part in a tandem skydive on June 23 at Black Knights parachute centre in Lancaster.

The 18-year-olds are hoping to raise £400 each for Marie Curie cancer care.

Joanna’s grandad John passed away three years ago while Jess’ grandmother Celia died eight years ago, both from stomach cancer.

Joanna said: “Me and Jess have been talking for the last few years about doing something in memory of our grandparents and when we saw this on the Marie Curie website we thought it was a great idea.

“We’ve known each other since we were tiny – we went to nursery together, then St John’s CE primary, Burscough Priory and Runshaw College, and now we’re both training to be teachers at Edge Hill.”

Joanna lives with her family on Baldwin’s farm in Burscough. Her grandad worked the arable farm there which is still run by the family.

She said: “I was really close to my grandad. We lived next door to each other. A lot of people around here knew him, he always had time for people even if he was in a rush.

“I was heartbroken when he died – we were pretty much best friends. He had a heart problem so when he was diagnosed with stomach cancer he wasn’t able to have the chemotherapy.

“It was a real shock and I miss him so much.”

Jess said: “We really wanted to do something to raise money for people who have cancer – it’s horrible.

“It’s really nice to be doing this with my best friend and I was really close to her grandad too so it’s a way we can both raise money together for a good cause.

“I’m terrified but looking forward to it too. It’s exciting and I’m glad we are doing it together – no-one can chicken out that way!”

To sponsor Joanna, visit bit.ly/XKEpux

To sponsor Jess, visit bit.ly/Zxkv9D