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Cancer survivor takes a dive for local charities

Gary Leslie from Aberdeen has celebrated completing his first skydive as part of a personal challenge.
Gary Leslie from Aberdeen has celebrated completing his first skydive as part of a personal challenge.

The sky is truly the limit for an ebullient north-east fundraiser.

Gary Leslie from Aberdeen has celebrated completing his first two skydives as part of a personal challenge to amass important funds for four local charities.

Mr Leslie decided to embark on his 4×4 challenge to raise £4,000 for four charities which are close to his heart. He is in the midst of undertaking four 14,000ft skydives throughout various jump zones in Australia.

Following a cancer diagnosis in January 2016, Mr Leslie has successfully completed a gruelling course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment and is celebrating with a month-long trip to Australia to visit family.

He said: “The last year has been very difficult for both myself and my family, but we have come out the other side and I am so thankful that currently there is no sign of any active disease.

“I am extremely grateful to be in a position to take on this challenge which is my chance to give something back to a number of organisations which are life savers in the local community.”

Any funds raised will be split between Gary’s nominated causes – Friends of Anchor Dream Big Appeal, Ucan and the AFC Community Trust – and a specific piece of equipment will be purchased for Aberdeen Royal Infirmary’s radiotherapy department.

Mr Leslie continued: “I am committed to raising a minimum of £4,000 for these charities, each of whom make a huge difference in the local community.

“I am a lifelong Dons fan, so supporting the great work of the AFC Community Trust was also really important to me. My online fundraising pages have now gone live and I am hoping to hit my target as quickly as possible.”

The enterprising Scot completed his first brace of jumps in Melbourne and Sydney last week, for ARI’s radiotherapy department and Ucan.

These will be followed by further endeavours at Byron Bay on February 14, for AFC Community Trust and the last in Brisbane on February 20, for Friends of Anchor.

Mr Leslie said: “I have successfully completed my first two skydives which were fantastic experiences and I am excited to follow this one with another two. Georgian Dress Hire has generously donated various kilts which I am wearing over my jumpsuit for each skydive, so it will be hard to miss me descending from the sky!”

He has suffered plenty of privations in recent times, but he has obviously remained in high spirits.

His exploits have clearly captured the imagination of those who have backed him.

To support Mr Leslie’s challenge, visit:

uk.virginmoneygiving.com/GaryLeslie

Alternatively, please e-mail garys4x4challenge@gmail.com to arrange a direct donation.