By Carole Dennett
In the 1991 film, Point Break, undercover FBI agent, Johnny Utah, played by Keanu Reeves, is asked how he feels about jumping out “of a perfectly good airplane”. There is no answer; the next shot shows him falling through the sky as a disembodied voice calls out “Geronimo”.
A conversation in the IW Observer offices started in much the same way, as our photographer, Chris Cornford, told us about his parachute jump on Wednesday. We regret to report his response was somewhat less inspiring.
“There may have been a couple of pints involved and it seemed a good idea at the time,” Chris quipped.
However, the jokes mask a sad truth. In a more serious moment, he revealed: “My father and brother died of cancer and my step-daughter is battling it. I want to raise £500 for Wessex Cancer Support, to give a little bit back and thank the heroes that helped them during their illness.”
Few are untouched by cancer as one in two people in the UK will face a cancer diagnosis at some point. Since 1981, Wessex Cancer Trust (now Wessex Cancer Support) has helped anyone affected by cancer. And on the Island, from their Lugley Street centre in Newport, they provide a range of services in a relaxing non-clinical environment, with people who have personal experience of cancer, either themselves or with a loved one.
Our Chris is no Keanu Reeves. He’s not in his first flush of youth, his knees are a bit dodgy, and there won’t be any wonderful film footage of his jump, but he’s doing a good thing and we are proud of him. And, if any of our wonderful readers can help him hit his target, he’d be very grateful.
We know times are hard, but if you appreciate the IW Observer, and sometimes realise that you save £1.30 a week by choosing us, could you donate the cost of a local newspaper for just a few weeks to one of the best causes around?
After all, at some time it may be you or your loved ones struck by this dreadful disease.
Mal Butler 
Tilly Walder