Mother takes the plunge for cancer awareness (From Enfield Independent)

Mother takes the plunge for cancer awareness

3:30pm Sunday 31st July 2011 in Top Stories By Amanda Leek

A MOTHER of three overcame her fear by jumping 12,000 feet in a sky dive to raise £862 for a theatre production bringing the effects of cancer into the spotlight.

Debbie Beacock, 45, heard of the sky dive for Chickenshed Theatre, in Winchmore Hill, from her husband, the theatre's director of finance, and her three daughters, who are members of the theatre's children's group.

She said: “It is the most amazing, exhilarating, incredible and petrifying experience I have ever had. I grinned all the way down.

“I must also be a bit of an adrenaline junky.”

The property company director’s mother died from cancer four years ago and she felt it was fate when she heard about Slender Threads, a dance piece exploring the effects of a cancer diagnosis on a family.

The experimental show, based on research with cancer patients, their families, medical experts and charities, will be launched at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August.

Debbie and 14 other people raised almost £4,000 for the production and Chickenshed has named her fundraiser of the month.

Chickenshed spokesperson Susan Jamson said: “She was petrified before she did it and it was a huge feat for her.”

Debbie has signed up to repeat the skydive next year with four others.