Chelmsford Bungy Jumper Oli Headon stars in inspiring film to Stand Up To Cancer

16 Oct Chelmsford Bungy Jumper Oli Headon stars in inspiring film to Stand Up To Cancer

A Chelmsford man, travelling the world while working at extreme bungy jump locations, is staring in an inspiring short film encouraging people to Stand Up To Cancer.

Oli Headon, currently working in Japan, has appeared in his own dare-devil video to help highlight and encourage people from Essex that there can be a life after a cancer diagnosis.

Oli, who has jumped a breath-taking 850 feet from the world’s highest commercial bungy platform -over six times higher than the Kings Tower in Chelmsford- has joined forces with Cancer Research UK and Channel 4 to highlight the joint fundraising campaign, which accelerates new cancer treatments and tests to patients.

He said: “At the age of 18, I travelled to Japan and started my Bungy dream. Over the past 5 years, I have worked on Bungy sites in New Zealand, Greece, Switzerland, India and China. In China I was the Operational Manager and assisted the setting up of the Highest Commercial Bungy Jump in the world at 260m

“I love Bungy jumping because it’s all about controlling your mind and overcoming fears. It doesn’t matter if you’re big or small, muscly or petite, with a pinch of courage and adrenaline you can jump! Using the same mindset will help you achieve your dreams if, you have the courage to pursue them.

With around four people diagnosed with cancer every hour in the East of England, Oli is sharing his cancer journey to help motivate everyone to raise some cancer-crushing cash at work, school or home.

He added: In 1999 at three years old, I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. It was found around my brain, liver and kidneys and I spent 9 months receiving 10 doses of intensive chemotherapy at Great Ormond Street Hospital, with a further 3 months of other treatment including blood transfusions, platelet transfusions and antibiotics

“Before my cancer I was a very lively, full of energy, happy three-year-old. I went to nursery and enjoyed life. With excellent care and support from wonderful staff I came through my treatment and my lifestyle after continued with being lively and full of energy and playing a lot of sports, BMXing, skiing.

“I’m supporting SU2C because I still remember my treatment and I have occasional flashbacks and I don’t want what I went through as a child to happen to other kids. We need to find a cure for cancer and we all need to do our bit to ensure that day comes sooner than later.”

Supporters are being urged to make a stand by getting involved in Stand Up To Cancer’s ‘Fortnight of Fundraising’ from 11- 25 October and signing up for a free fundraising pack.

Since its launch in 2012, the campaign has raised over £62 million to fund 52 clinical trials and research projects that could really make a difference to more people like Oli.

By taking part in the film, he hopes to draw attention to the impact cancer research has had on his life – allowing him to live a full life doing the things that he loves.

He added: “That’s why I’m calling on everyone in Essex to join me and Stand Up To Cancer.”

Stand Up To Cancer unites scientists, celebrities and communities across the UK, to help accelerate life-saving research.
The campaign is supported by a host of stars including Davina McCall, Alan Carr, Maya Jama, Greg Rutherford and Joe Lycett.

People can choose to fundraise in their own way or pick from a host of fun-filled ideas, such as an ‘unpredictable dress up’ challenge, a sponsored fitness fortnight or hosting a ‘crafts and laughs’ evening for a donation.