Chesterfield man set for charity skydive with daughter today after devastating cancer diagnosis

Chris Holt was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March after his skin and eyes developed a yellow hue and is due to start chemotherapy treatment next month.

Despite this, he has decided to join forces with his daughter Kaela to raise cash for Ashgate Hospicecare, before he is too ill to do so.

Although Chris is not currently under the care of Ashgate, his cancer has spread to his liver and lymph nodes and is now terminal meaning that one day both he and his family will be in need of specialist support from the hospice.

Kaela, 32, said: “Even now he just has days where he feels tired or has a bit of pain, he didn't know anything was seriously wrong. But, we knew it was serious because he turned yellow.

"He had to have a stent put in because the tumour was blocking his bile from being eliminated.

“He’s been offered palliative chemotherapy and we’re just planning really nice things to make the most of the time we have left.”

As part of their fundraising efforts, the father and daughter duo will be undertaking a sponsored skydive tomorrow, April 29, and have already raised over £1,000 for the charity.

“It’s something that I’ve always personally wanted to do and my dad took a bit of persuading, but now he’s really excited about it and it’s one off the bucket list,” Kaela said.

"And, the fact that as of yesterday we’ve managed to raise over £1,000 for Ashgate Hospice as well, I’m just really proud of him.

"He’s of the mindset that when you’re terminal what have you got to lose. I’m so glad I get to have this experience with my brave dad, it’s such a brilliant legacy to leave giving to a good cause in his own hour of need and we all love him so much and are so proud of him."

Chris added: “‘I’m overwhelmed with the response we’ve had on the just giving page, I’d like to thank everyone for donating.”

Weather permitting, the pair will skydive at Langar Airfield in Nottingham today.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mikaela-holt.

A message from Phil Bramley, Derbyshire Times Editor

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper.