47 People, 13,000 feet - One incredible mission to save lives

Nearly 50 healthcare professionals and patients will be leaping from 13,000 feet in one of the country's biggest charity tandem skydives on Saturday 25 July. Osteopaths, chiropractors, physiotherapists, their patients and colleagues - almost all first-time skydivers - will be taking the plunge to help Medical Detection Dogs save lives. The organisers believe this is one of the largest tandem skydiving fundraising events ever organised for Medical Detection Dogs. All the jumpers are paying for their own jump, and the total they've raised for the charity so far is over £34,000. On Saturday 25 July, 47 people from across the UK will take to the skies at Sibson Airfield near Peterborough in a spectacular mass tandem skydive to raise funds for the national charity Medical Detection Dogs. The event aims to raise £100,000 for the charity, which trains dogs not only to alert their owners to serious medical events, but also to detect life-threatening diseases such as cancer, Parkinson's disease and bacterial infections (such as urinary tract infections)  through their extraordinary sense of smell. Among those jumping are six members of staff from The Ashgrove Clinic in Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire, led by clinic director Steven Bruce, alongside healthcare professionals, patients, local business owners and supporters of the charity.  One participant decided to take part after her own pet spaniel alerted her to a fast-growing breast cancer before it had been diagnosed. Another participant discovered only last week that Medical Detection Dogs are also trained to alert sufferers to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome - a potentially life-threatening condition which affects her own three-year-old daughter, Mimi, who will be waiting at the landing area to welcome her mum back to earth. With 10 days to go, the nerves are palpable.  "It's one thing agreeing to jump out of an aeroplane over a cup of coffee," said Steven. "It's another thing to find yourself sitting in the aircraft doorway at 13,000 feet. Fortunately, everyone will be attached to a very experienced instructor!" Medical Detection Dogs has pioneered the use of specially trained dogs capable of identifying the scent of disease, helping researchers develop faster, less invasive and more accurate diagnostic tests. The charity also provides assistance dogs that give people with complex medical conditions greater independence and safety. The organisers hope the event will not only raise vital funds but also increase awareness of the charity's remarkable work.