Teen with terminal cancer to skydive and bungee

A SCHOOLGIRL with as little as six months to live is set to spearhead a fundraising whirlwind that will see her bungee jump and skydive for charity.

Rebecca Dalgleish is planning lots of fundraising. Picture: comp

Rebecca Dalgleish, 17, was diagnosed with a malignant tumour just six months ago and has undergone gruelling bouts of chemotherapy and radiotherapy to beat the disease.

Just two weeks ago, doctors told the North Berwick teenager that her cancer was terminal and she has now pledged to dedicate the rest of her life to raising at least £10,000 for the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS).

“I just thought: ‘What could I do with my life to make it worthwhile?’” said Rebecca.

“I wanted to help other people. I wanted to raise money for the hospice because they helped me.”

Rebecca began experiencing worrying symptoms – including pains in her right knee and foot – almost a year ago and was sent to a consultant.

Following an MRI at the Sick Kids doctors told her they had found a lump in her pelvis.

But Rebecca will not allow the painful tumour to deter her fundraising feats despite limiting her ability to walk or sit.

She has chosen to bungee jump down a gorge in Killiecrankie, Perthshire – a 130ft drop that sees thrill seekers plummet at speeds of up to 50mph.

“I looked at [fundraiser] Stephen Sutton [who died last year] and how he decided to make the most of his life,” said Rebecca.

“I’m not particularly good with heights but when you do these things it’s best you don’t think about it and just do it.”

And she added: “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.” 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 mother 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.”