We use non-essential cookies (including anonymous analytics) to help us understand if our website is working well and to learn what content is most useful to visitors. We also use some cookies which are essential for our platform to work and help us to provide you with the best experience possible. You can accept or reject our non-essential cookies and change your mind at any time. To learn more, please read our cookies policy.

Update cookie preferences

The sky's the limit: Anika takes the leap for Ovarian Cancer Action

10 July 2018

Anika skydive

This month, Anika Roob faced her fears and took part in a skydive for Ovarian Cancer Action. Ovarian cancer has had a devastating effect on Anika's family and she wanted to challenge herself and raise money to help fund research to protect future generations of women.

“Well, well, well...what can I say? I've done it! I've jumped out of a plane! It still sounds surreal when I say it like that, but if I can do it, anyone can!

It was nerve-wracking, terrifying, amazing and exciting - all at the same time. Even watching the video back and looking at the action shots are enough to make my palms sweaty again.

Taking on this challenge means the world to me as the cause is so close to my heart. 

I lost my mum (52) at the beginning of the year after a very long battle with ovarian cancer. Her mother, my nan, also passed away in 1995 aged 62 due to ovarian cancer. 

It’s genetic in my family and I've also inherited a faulty gene, BRCA1. It felt like a ticking time bomb in my body and for me it was a no-brainer to have preventive surgeries as soon as my son was born to reduce my very high risk of getting ovarian and/or breast cancer. I've been very fortunate to have had a total hysterectomy and bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, all with no complications. In an ideal world, I think every woman should be given the option to get tested for BRCA. It would save so many lives, as not everyone is aware of their family history, for a number of reasons.

As there’s still no reliable way of detecting ovarian cancer early, I have chosen to support Ovarian Cancer Action and their vital research into a screening tool. I've raised almost £1,000, which is so much more than I ever could have imagined and it’s been a great experience from start to finish. You can donate to my JustGiving Page here.

I couldn't have done any of it without all the amazing and generous people who have supported and sponsored me over the past few months. I'm so grateful for the chance to create great memories, which will last a lifetime!”


Find out how you can take on the challenge of a lifetime and skydive for Ovarian Cancer Action! 

Related articles