Father's tumour bravery inspires charity skydive

A woman is set to take part in a charity skydive to raise funds for brain tumour research after her dad was diagnosed with cancer.

Shanice Miller, from Cheadle, Staffordshire, decided to take the plunge on 8 June after being inspired by his courage as he had treatment.

"It's been a hard journey, but it's been rewarding to see how well and how brave he has been, not only for himself but for [his family] as well," the 29-year-old said.

So far, more than £1,500 has been raised ahead of the challenge, which will be donated to the Brain Tumour Charity.

Her dad, Murdoch Pye, first noticed something was wrong when he started to experience severe headaches and ringing in his ears.

The Staffordshire Police officer first attributed it to tinnitus from the series of concerts he had recently attended with his wife.

However he could no longer overlook the symptoms when he was suddenly overcome by a "strong chemical smell" before collapsing and having a seizure at work in October.

The 53-year-old was rushed to hospital where he was diagnosed with a brain tumour near his right temple.

"I was working quite long hours so I just thought I had overworked," he said.

Pye underwent surgery to remove the malignant tumour on 23 December, then a six-week course of radiotherapy followed by a six-week course of chemotherapy.

He is currently having another round of chemotherapy.

Miller, a registered manager for a children's home, added: "Seeing my dad being brave and letting all the professionals take over and help him, I thought I'll show I can be brave and raise awareness.

"He has done nothing but be incredibly strong throughout the treatment and has smashed any obstacle that has come his way.

"I'm doing it for my dad and the Brain Tumour Charity to help support families who are going through it as well."

Pye added: "It fills me with dread thinking of her up in a plane and going through an open door."

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.