Dad completes skydive for charities helping daughter

A father has taken part in a skydive to raise money for seven charities that have been supporting his young daughter through illness.

Matt Hughes completed the challenge at Netheravon Airfield in Wiltshire, joined by work colleagues who said they were "slightly terrified".

They have raised nearly £20,000 for the charities, which include The Aplastic Anaemia Trust and the GWH's Brighter Futures.

Mr Hughes' daughter Megan, 10, has a rare blood disease called aplastic anaemia, which prevents bone marrow from producing enough new blood cells.

Mr Hughes and his wife Jess, from Calne, first noticed bruising on their daughter's legs soon after she turned 10.

"Assuming this was normal rough and tumble at school, we thought nothing of it, however the bruises kept appearing and within two days were all over her body," he said.

After "weeks of exhaustive testing" Megan was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia, causing symptoms including tiredness, shortness of breath, nose bleeds and headaches.

Mr Hughes said it was "devastating".

"There was no treatment available which could reverse the failed bone marrow. Her only option was a full bone marrow transplant," he added.

While waiting for a suitable donor match, Megan had weekly blood and platelet transfusions and spent long periods in hospital, including over Christmas.

“Just before Christmas, we were given a glimmer of hope when a donor was identified in Germany," Mr Hughes said.

In March, Megan had a bone marrow transplant after nine days of intensive chemotherapy.

Her parents said she has kept a "positive outlook" and that her seven-year-old brother, Jack, has been brave too.

"Megan's immune system is so vulnerable we have to do things that are socially distanced" Mr Hughes explained.

Mark Neill, managing director at Landmarc Support Services, said taking part in the skydive was an "unforgettable experience".

"It was a privilege to support such incredible charities and stand by one of our own during this challenging time," he said.

“Megan has shown extraordinary bravery throughout her journey, facing unimaginable challenges with a resilience that inspires us all."

Mr Hughes has called for more people to donate blood and join the stem cell register.

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