Essex officers skydive to raise money for brain tumour research

PC Rob Edgar, PC Garry Neal and Sgt Paul Gooding, all based in Chelmsford, completed the sponsored tandem jump at Beccles Airfield in Suffolk.

The skydive was to raise money for Brain Tumour Research after PC Edgar’s wife, Gemma, was sadly diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour in October last year.  

Mrs Edgar has since undergone surgery and is currently receiving radiotherapy.

This inspired Pc Edgar and his colleagues to raise money for the charity to contribute to vital research to find a cure for this type of cancer, and in support of the family’s two young children. (Picture left to right are PC Garry Neal, PC Rob Edgar and Sgt Paul Gooding.)

The three officers have since smashed their target of £5,000, and have since raised nearly £8,500 for the charity, which can fund three full days of research into the disease.

PC Edgar said: “My wife’s diagnosis has devastated our family – not least our two young sons – and everyone who knows Gemma. She is a kind, loving, amazing person who has devoted her life to helping others, having been a children’s nurse for ten years prior to her diagnosis.

“She has been so brave and takes everything in her stride, and has been an inspiration to everyone who knows her.

“Shockingly, brain tumours only receive 1% of money for cancer research, despite it being the biggest cancer killer in people under 40 in the UK.

“We are looking to raise as much money as possible to contribute to one day finding a cure for this type of cancer.”

Anyone who wishes to make a donation can support Pc Edgar via www.justgiving.com/Robert-edgar.