Why Blessing took to the skies
Story
Published: 27 October 2026
Blessing, a young mum from Nigeria, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025 after finding a lump on her breast. She had chemotherapy, followed by surgery and radiotherapy.
She struggled financially, having only moved to the UK from Nigeria in 2023, her visa didn’t entitle her to any kind of financial support so she had to continue working as a carer throughout treatment which she found very difficult.
Despite her ordeal, Blessing has an incredible energy and spirit and has just done a skydive for Macmillan – while still having treatment – as a way of giving back.
Why did you decide to do a skydive for Macmillan?
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, my whole world changed. I was living in a country far away from my family, facing one of the most frightening experiences of my life. There were days when I was scared, exhausted and unsure of what tomorrow would bring.
Going through chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy taught me how precious life is. Cancer took so much from me physically and emotionally, but I didn’t want it to take away my courage or my dreams.
I decided to do the skydive because I wanted to challenge myself and remind myself that I was still capable of doing extraordinary things, even after everything my body had been through.
Jumping out of that plane was more than just an adventure. It was my way of saying that cancer might have been part of my story, but it would never define who I am.
I also wanted to raise awareness and give something back, because I know there are so many people fighting battles that others cannot see. I wanted my experience to bring hope to someone who might be going through the same journey and remind them that there is still life, joy and adventure beyond a cancer diagnosis.
Going through chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy taught me how precious life is. Cancer took so much from me physically and emotionally, but I didn’t want it to take away my courage or my dreams.
I decided to do the skydive because I wanted to challenge myself and remind myself that I was still capable of doing extraordinary things, even after everything my body had been through.
Jumping out of that plane was more than just an adventure. It was my way of saying that cancer might have been part of my story, but it would never define who I am.
I also wanted to raise awareness and give something back, because I know there are so many people fighting battles that others cannot see. I wanted my experience to bring hope to someone who might be going through the same journey and remind them that there is still life, joy and adventure beyond a cancer diagnosis.
Do you have any advice for someone fundraising for Macmillan?
My advice would be to just go for it. You don’t have to do something extraordinary or raise thousands of pounds to make a difference. Every little contribution matters.
Choose something meaningful to you, something that challenges you or brings you joy. Don’t be afraid to share your story and tell people why you’re fundraising.
I would also encourage people not to limit themselves to social media. Go out into your community, speak to people, share flyers and let them know what you are doing. You never know who your story might touch or who might be willing to support you.
Most importantly, remember why you started. Knowing that your efforts could help someone going through cancer makes it all worthwhile.
Choose something meaningful to you, something that challenges you or brings you joy. Don’t be afraid to share your story and tell people why you’re fundraising.
I would also encourage people not to limit themselves to social media. Go out into your community, speak to people, share flyers and let them know what you are doing. You never know who your story might touch or who might be willing to support you.
Most importantly, remember why you started. Knowing that your efforts could help someone going through cancer makes it all worthwhile.
Did you have any struggles fundraising?
Fundraising was actually a beautiful experience for me. When people saw my cancer journey online, many were touched by my story and were willing to donate and support my skydive.
I didn’t just rely on social media. I also printed flyers and went out into the community, visiting local shops and speaking to people about what I was doing and why it meant so much to me.
It wasn’t always easy putting myself out there and sharing such a personal part of my life, but I was determined to make a difference.
What touched me the most was the kindness of people, including strangers who had never met me but were willing to support my cause. It reminded me that even when you are far away from your family, there are still good people around you.
The experience showed me that my cancer journey wasn’t just a story of pain and survival. It could also be a story of hope, kindness and bringing people together for a good cause.
Looking back, I am incredibly grateful for everyone who supported me, donated, shared my story or simply encouraged me. Their kindness meant more than they could ever imagine.
Thank you again for giving me this opportunity. I never imagined that something I did to challenge myself and celebrate life could become a story that might inspire others.
If there is one thing I want people to take away from my journey, it is that cancer may change your life, but it doesn’t have to take away your dreams. I am still here, still fighting, still dreaming and still choosing to live.
I didn’t just rely on social media. I also printed flyers and went out into the community, visiting local shops and speaking to people about what I was doing and why it meant so much to me.
It wasn’t always easy putting myself out there and sharing such a personal part of my life, but I was determined to make a difference.
What touched me the most was the kindness of people, including strangers who had never met me but were willing to support my cause. It reminded me that even when you are far away from your family, there are still good people around you.
The experience showed me that my cancer journey wasn’t just a story of pain and survival. It could also be a story of hope, kindness and bringing people together for a good cause.
Looking back, I am incredibly grateful for everyone who supported me, donated, shared my story or simply encouraged me. Their kindness meant more than they could ever imagine.
Thank you again for giving me this opportunity. I never imagined that something I did to challenge myself and celebrate life could become a story that might inspire others.
If there is one thing I want people to take away from my journey, it is that cancer may change your life, but it doesn’t have to take away your dreams. I am still here, still fighting, still dreaming and still choosing to live.
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