A TEENAGE cancer patient with as little as six months to live is planning a 130ft bungee jump for charity.
Rebecca Dalgleish, 17, was diagnosed with a malignant tumour just six months ago and underwent gruelling bouts of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Rebecca learned only a fortnight ago that her cancer is terminal and has decided to dedicate the rest of her life to raising at least £10,000 for the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS).
The brave youngster, who lives near North Berwick, East Lothian, set an original target of £3,000 but raised £5,000 so quickly she set a higher target.
Her bungee jump, in Killiecrankie, Perthshire, is all the more remarkable because the tumour is located in her pelvis, causing pain and limiting her ability to walk or even to sit.
Rebecca said: “I just thought – what could I do with my life to make it worthwhile? I wanted to help other people. I wanted to raise money for the hospice because they helped me.
“I’ve been to Killiecrankie before, so I thought I would go there to do it. They said it would be OK as long as I had a doctor’s note.”
Thrill seekers plummet at 50pmh and fall 130ft (40m ) on the drop, which is done from a platform above the gorge.
Murray Trail, 49, owns Bungee Jump Scotland which will help Rebecca with the jump.
He said: “I’m absolutely up for it. We go the extra mile for anyone. We will do whatever we can to get people jumping.
“I actually spoke to her mother. The reason I asked her to speak to a doctor is to decide whether we attach a body harness or attach her at the ankles.
“One thing is for sure, there is a lot more to it than just jumping off a bridge with a rubber band. The achievement is challenging what your mind and body think you can do – what they are letting you do.
Rebecca also has an online blog – Becky’s Bucket List – and is planning other fundraisers for the hospice including a ceilidh, a coffee morning, a film night and a concert.
Her mum Pam, 47, said: “It was two weeks ago we found out the cancer was terminal. I’m just very proud of her. She’s been very courageous. Her first thought was she wanted to raise money for the charity that helped her.
I did know that was the kind of thing she likes to do but I won’t be jumping off any bridges. I’ll be standing at the side holding her coat.”
