Leap of faith for a much-loved friend

Published on 28th June 2007 in News

A local women who is terrified of heights is taking part in a sponsored sky dive in aid of Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Brave Julie Forrest, who owns 1st Class Nails and Beauty on Pasture Road, is tackling the nail-biting experience with her sister-in-law, Stephanie Noble, in mind. Steph was recently diagnosed with untreatable cancer and Julie wanted to do something to help. She asked Steph if there was anything she would like to do or see in particular so that Julie and her friends could raise money to make her dream come true.

However, all Steph requested was that all money they raised went straight to Cancer Research. So Julie got Yorkshire Cancer Research involved and they supplied the group with t-shirts and sponsor forms. Also doing the sky dive is manageress of 1st Class Nails and Beauty, Kim Buckle and a client, Pam Needham.

Julie said: "Steph is an amazing person and has always put other people before herself. The support I've had from friends and clients is unbelievable. From the last count we have raised over £500! I can't wait for Steph to hand over our final amount."

Julie, who also owns a salon in Cottingham with her business partner called Perfect Ten, said: "I am really scared of heights and a lot of my clients know I am. One client has sponsored me £250 to do it because she knows how bad I am!"

Both Julie and Kim have strong feelings about the charity as they have both lost family, friends and clients to the disease. Julie said: "It is something everyone can relate to."

Steph said that the support from her daughters and partner Andrew has been fantastic and he has kept her strong with his jokes and sense of humour. One of Steph's daughters is at home helping to look after her mum and is expecting her second child in September which both Steph and Andrew are over the moon about. Steph said: "The new arrival will add to a gorgeous, smiley little girl who already keeps us on our toes!"

Julie and her friends, colleagues and clients have all been busy collecting sponsorships for the sky dive through 1st Class Nails and Beauty, Perfect Ten and Beverley College, where Julie is a teacher in artificial nails. Whilst Julie has raised money for cancer research in the past, involving a sponsored leg wax on men and a month of fancy dress in her salon, raising around £1,500, she has never done anything quite as nerve-racking!

She told the Goole Times: "I am nervous about it but when I think about what Steph is going through, this is nothing."

Julie, Kim and Pam will complete the sky dive on July 29 near Brigg.

If anybody would like to show their support to the group and raise some money for Yorkshire Cancer Research, they can add to the sponsors in 1st Class Nails and Beauty at 127 Pasture Road. If any local businesses would like to show their support, contact Julie on 01405 765300 for more information.