Freefalling for Freya: Medics skydive to support terminally-ill student

A group of medical students have taken the plunge from a plane to support “inspirational” Freya Barlow, who has terminal leukaemia and is setting up a charity trust fund.

Freya, 22, was unable to join students and staff at the Peninsula School for Medicine and Dentistry (PCMD) on their skydive yesterday (Friday 22 November), but she was on site to cheer them on as they landed safely at the Cornish Parachute Club, Perranporth.

Freya has recently taken the decision to leave her third year in Medicine at PCMD, where she was based in Plymouth, to spend time with her family in Norfolk, after news that her leukaemia had returned and is now terminal. Freya has twice beaten the disease since she was first diagnosed in January 2012, and had continued her studies while taking on feats such as climbing Ben Nevis and running the Plymouth 10k earlier this month.

Yesterday, Freya said she was delighted to see her friends taking on the challenge, which raised money for local leukaemia charities as well as for the foundation of the Freya Barlow Trust.

Freya said: “They have done so well, and everyone’s in fantastic spirits. The atmosphere is indescribable, my family and friends are all here together. It’s really keeping me going.

“I’m overwhelmed by the generosity that people have shown in taking part and donating. We have raised more than £3,700 in just four days, and we’re all stunned by that. We’re so grateful for all the support.”

Steph Williams, Freya’s close friend and fellow PCMD student, was among those to skydive. She said: “It was an absolutely incredible experience for an amazing cause led by a truly inspirational person. We were all sad that Freya couldn’t take part, but so happy that we got to do it for her. It’s incredible that the cause Freya has been fighting for has taken off like this. Everyone has been so generous and supportive. We’re now going to focus on establishing the Trust and making sure this money is put to really good use, to help other people with cancer, in Freya’s name.

Professor Steve Thornton, Dean of PCMD, was among those to jump, along with Dean of Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, Professor Robert Sneyd.

Professor Thornton said: “It was a real privilege to join these fantastic students on such an amazing day. The views were incredible and it was extremely exhilarating. Above all, I’m extremely proud of the students who have arranged all this, and particularly of Freya, who is showing such remarkable strength and bravery. This is the perfect way to launch the Trust fund in her name”.

The Freya Barlow Trust is now under construction, and will help young cancer patients to 'continue living their lives' in hospital while having treatment. It  aims to support areas including the provision of psychological support for inpatients and raising awareness of options for patients receiving cancer treatment who wish to go on and have children in the future.

Freya’s own battle with leukaemia began in January 2012, and she continued her studies while having intensive chemotherapy in isolation. She beat the disease and continued to enjoy life, but In November last year, the disease returned, and Freya had a bone marrow transplant in March.

Again, she went into remission and continued with her studies, despite all she had faced. But on bonfire night this year, the day after running the Plymouth 10k, she received the devastating news that the leukaemia had affected her bone marrow and central nervous system. She has now decided to end her studies and spend her time with family.

When they heard the news, friends rallied round to organise the Freya Ball, held on 7 November. In less than 48 hours, they planned and hosted a huge party with more than 300 people attending. You can view a video of the event here: http://vimeo.com/m/78988775

Close friends who are organising and take part in the skydive have said: “Freya really is inspirational. She’s an incredibly loyal friend, and a lovely person. She’s really committed to helping others, and the point of the Freya Barlow Trust is to keep that going even when she’s gone.”

To donate to the foundation of the Freya Barlow Trust, visit http://www.gofundme.com/5bx50s