Taking the plunge: John’s incredible leap for our NHS Charity

Published: 20 August 2026

At 74, John Payne has proved it’s never too late to do something extraordinary.

John recently completed a skydive to raise money for our Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity, conquering his fears and raising an amazing £3,500, with donations still coming in.

For John, the challenge was about much more than adrenaline. It was a deeply personal way of saying thank you to the teams at Torbay Hospital who cared for both him and his late wife Julie during some of the most difficult years of their lives.

He says: “I did this because I’ve never been very brave or taken risks and I’m getting to the age where I wanted to do something which felt dangerous,”

John and Julie’s connection with the NHS began in 2013, when Julie was diagnosed with bowel cancer and underwent major surgery to remove a large tumour. When the cancer returned the following year, she began chemotherapy treatment on the Ricky Grant cancer unit.

After a positive 2016, when the couple enjoyed holidays together, including a special trip to the Italian Lakes with their family, their lives were turned upside down once again when, in January 2017, Julie was told her cancer had returned, and shortly afterwards John was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Both received treatment on Ricky Grant Unit at the same time and John received his final treatment in August 2017. Although his cancer treatment had been successful, what should have been a day of celebration turned into tragedy when Julie’s condition suddenly deteriorated. The couple spent a few precious hours together on Ricky Grant before Julie was transferred to a different ward, where she died the following morning with John at her side.

John underwent further treatment and was eventually declared in remission, but in 2022, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and is currently receiving hormone treatment on Ricky Grant Unit to help keep the cancer under control.

Despite everything life has thrown at him, John remains active, playing plenty of golf and serving as Stover Seniors’ Captain, and when the opportunity came to jump out of a plane, he embraced it.

He says: “We both received such excellent care on Ricky Grant and I wanted to do something which thanked everyone who cared for us. Julie would think I’m completely mad for doing this, but I was thinking of her the whole way down, as well as what the hell am I doing?

“I have just about recovered from the skydive, it was quite an experience. A mixture of being terrified and great relief when I landed safely. It was great when the parachute opened but the free fall was terrifying. I am delighted to have raised so much money for the charity.”

Becky Chown, Fundraising Manager for Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity, said: “We are so grateful to John for taking on this incredible challenge to support our charity. The funds he’s raised will make such a difference to the people we support and enabling us to provide the very best care possible.”

There are lots of ways you can support Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity and help make a difference for patients, families and staff across our hospitals and community services. Whether you’re looking to take on a personal challenge, organise a fundraising event, make a donation or support one of our campaigns, every contribution helps fund projects and enhancements that go beyond NHS funding and make healthcare experiences even better.

To find out more about how you can get involved, visit: charity.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk

You can also support John’s fundraising efforts by visiting his JustGiving page.

Every pound raised helps us continue supporting patients and staff across Torbay and South Devon.