11-05-2025
Holywell: Breast cancer survivor to take on skydive
This summer, 84-year old Jackie Walker from Holywell will face her fears once more by jumping from a plane at height after receiving a 'shock' diagnosis of breast cancer.
After viewing an awareness campaign on ITV's Lorraine, Jackie contacted her local GP for a mammogram after believing she 'couldn't get cancer in her 80s.'
There, they found three lumps, each invisible on the skin's surface.
Jackie Walker, Holywell (Image: UGC)
Jackie had a mastectomy procedure in November at the Glan Clwyd Hospital where she was referred and has been in recovery ever since. After getting the all clear for six months, she is determined to give back and support others with their fight.
And Jackie won't be alone. Joining her for an epic skydive will be her proud daughter, Fiona Winston. It will take place on July 25 at Tilstock Airfield in Whitchurch, giving her plenty of time to raise some cash and make it all worthwhile.
On June 13, Jackie is having a 'Las Vegas' themed night at the Springfield Country Club along the A55.
Jackie Walker, Holywell (Image: UGC)
There, owner Jynette Janney is printing sponsorship forms and t-shirts for the special occasion. There will also be a raffle featuring a signed shirt from Flint Olympian Jade Jones and football tickets from Wrexham AFC.
All proceeds will go towards 'Walk the Walk' for breast cancer.
"We're doing this to repay the charity for the kindness that I've received", Jackie said.
"The breast cancer surgeon and nurses who took care of me at Glan Glwyd Hospital are also sponsoring me, so I'm highly honoured. They really are unbelievable at what they do.
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"I'm nervous to do it, but the wonderful hospital and medics who have helped me have been absolute guardian angels. They've saved my life and I've got to give something back and let people know that the National Health Service in Wales is absolutely wonderful."
Jackie says it's now her mission to let people know that cancer can affect your life at any age.
"I'm still so fit and healthy, even at 84. It's awful really because they stop calling you for mammograms at 70! People need to get checked and watch out for the symptoms.
"I was told if I'd have left it another year, I might not have survived."
