The best friend of a teenage cancer victim is hoping to raise money for charity with a skydive in August, supported by Maldon Cricket Club.

Jade Hoy is planning the skydive ahead of her 24th birthday, to honour the memory of her friend Rhiannon.

Rhiannon Bailey, known as 'Rhi', was a much-loved member of Maldon Cricket Club. She was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma when she was just 14 years old. Rhi battled cancer until 2017, when she passed away two days after her 19th birthday.

"Teenage Cancer Trust is one of the main charities that supported Rhi and her family over this long and extremely difficult period of time," Jade said.

"This is a charity which continues to be close to my heart."

Jade needs to raise £430 to do the skydive but is hoping to collect much more for the charity. So far, Jade has raised £246 and is well over halfway to reaching her current JustGiving target. She will also hold a bake sale at Drapers Farm during a match day on Saturday 22 July, to raise extra funds.

Rhiannon loved to play cricket with the Maldon Ladies' team. (Photos: Maldon Cricket Club)

Following Rhiannon's death, Maldon Cricket Club introduced an annual celebration match during Cricket Week. It is set to be held on August 25 and will provide another opportunity to raise funds for charity in her memory.

Teenage Cancer Trust provides care and support specifically for young people who have been diagnosed with cancer. It funds specialised nurses, youth workers and hospital units within the NHS so young people are supported by dedicated staff and facilities throughout their treatment.

The charity also holds events for young people with cancer to help them regain independence, confidence, and meet others facing similar situations.

Every day, seven people between the ages of 13 and 24 will be told they have cancer. There are currently 28 specialist cancer units in hospitals across the UK and 92 Teenage Cancer Trust-funded nurses and Youth Support Coordinators.

Jade said: "Compared with the number of young people being diagnosed every day, there are simply not enough funds for more units, trust nurses and youth support coordinators.

"Your donations can make a big difference to this!"

To support Jade's fundraiser, donate to her JustGiving page.

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