A CANCER SURVIVOR from Denbighshire braved the ‘most surreal’ experience of her life to raise more than £2,500 for a charity close to her heart.

Ali Alcock from Corwen took on a charity skydive at the Tilstock centre in Whitchurch on Saturday.

She did so to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support - a charity which has helped her through her own battles.

Ali, 42, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2015 and endured a five-month battle. Through it all, Macmillan were there for her, and ever since she has been raising money to give back to the charity.

The £2,518 (correct at time of writing) she raised through her skydive adds to the further £15,000 she has raised for Macmillan previously by producing a ‘Kit Off for Cancer’ charitable calendar and taking part in a carpool karaoke, among other events.

Speaking post-dive, Ali who works as a social worker for Denbighshire County Council, said: “It was the most surreal and amazing experience of my life.

“A calmness just came over me whilst I was there and at no point did I think I couldn’t do it and I think it was because Macmillan Cancer Support was my motivator. I just couldn’t let them down.”

“The staff at Tilstock Skydive Centre were also so friendly and reassuring I felt I was in safe hands.

“I chose a skydive this year as it’s my fifth year as a survivor and I wanted to do something big or special to mark the occasion. I’m petrified of heights so I thought it was a worthy challenge.”

There to support Ali during her skydive in aid of Macmillan at Tilstock on Saturday were her son Danny Jones, dad Barry Jones and personal trainer Lucy Ruffy, who helped her complete further challenge ahead of the dive.

Ali was tasked with losing two stone to meet the skydiving centre's weight restrictions, and thanks to Lucy of Lucy Fitness Bootcamp's help, she has lost three stone in just 25 weeks.

Her skydiving efforts have seen her collect a total of £2,518, all of which will now be donated to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Ali said: "It’s hard to describe how it felt but it was truly the most epic and phenomenal feeling and my fear of heights didn’t hamper me in any way

"Though watching it back (on the video she was given by Tilstock), I still can’t believe I have done it. The adrenaline was pumping but seeing it now is quite emotional, I loved it!

"Due to COVID a lot of fundraising events have had to be cancelled or postponed so this year more than ever Macmillan need the funds to be able to continue providing support to people living with and battling cancer.

"I am very grateful to Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd who sponsored the skydive and made a significant cash donation and also Stuart Morris Plumbing, Home & Garden maintenance who has sponsored the filming of the skydive, meaning that all the money raised will go direct to Macmillan Cancer Support."

Ali's JustGiving fundraisers in aid of Macmillan is still open for donations to be made and can be found at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Alison-Alcock2