A TERMINAL cancer patient is planning a skydive to raise cash for the hospice which will soon care for him.

Adrenalin junkie pensioner Jeff Wakefield, 68, decided to help raise cash for St Luke’s Hospice before he is too ill to do so.

Jeff, of Chadwell St Mary, was diagnosed with liver cancer last year after his skin and eyes had a yellow hue which suggested liver problems.

He was diagnosed with Cholangiocarcinoma, which affects the bile duct, and had four platinum stents installed to combat the problem which involves a tumour blocking the bile from reaching the intestine.

When visiting Southend Hospital to discuss treatment, he was told that chemotherapy was an option.

The consultant however explained possible side effects, including blindness, and told Jeff even if it was successful it would only give him a couple of more months to live.

Jeff decided not to have chemotherapy and has been put onto end of life care at St Luke’s Hospice in Basildon.

The caterer said: “I would like to end my life at St Luke’s, not in hospital or at home.

“When I had skin cancer years ago, they supported me then and have supported me through this journey too.

“When I visit, they keep track of how I’m doing, the volunteers even pick me up and take me home.

“I’m under the GP now, but I visit the hospice monthly as a day patient, under review all the time.

“My wife and kids have been incredibly supportive as well, I wouldn’t be here without them.”

Having owned a motorbike and sports car, as well as completing gliding, racing, hot air ballooning and more off his bucket list, Jeff has only skydiving left to tick off.

He is hoping to raise £1,000 for the hospice through his skydive at Beccles Airfield in Suffolk.

He continued: “I really want to do as much as I can for them to give back, they have changed my life.

“I look forward to my visits, speaking with the other patients, seeing the staff.

“They really need the help, with only eight beds for terminal patients.

“Without places like St Luke’s, there would be nothing.

“I set myself aims, my next will be to abseil in August for St Luke’s, if I make it that far.”

Despite being laughed at when mentioning the idea to his GP, doctors have confirmed he is fit enough for the dive on March 9.

“Jeff has even bought a body camera to watch back the experience.

Joanne Phillips, St Luke’s Hospice fundraiser and organiser of the Tandem Skydive event, said: “We’re so incredibly proud of Jeff for taking part in this event.

“He’s so brave and such an inspiration to us all here at St Luke’s Hospice.

“There’s still time to join Jeff for the skydive on March.

“You can register by contacting fundraising@stlukeshospice.co.uk.”

To donate or find out more about the challenge visit Jeff’s JustGiving page.