A local cop with a fear of heights has pledged to jump out of a plane as a way to raise funds to enable a mum to afford surgery on her brain tumour.
Constable Shayne Price from the York Police was roped into the skydive by fellow officers who wanted to help out mum of four Angela Plichota.
“It was really all Greg Kerr’s doing, who is another member of the York Police,” Constable Price said.
“He’s been heavily involved with the skydive club in the past.
“I just happened to walk into the room, and him knowing I’m not keen on skydiving roped me in.
“He asked me if I wanted to do a skydive and I said ‘hell no’.
“He explained what it was all about and what the intention was and I still said hell no but then I sat down and thought that I could see myself being on board with this.
“I’m still not keen on the jump but that’s kind of the point.”
Mrs Plichota was diagnosed with a meningioma in August last year, and has since completed six months of radiotherapy and 12 months of chemotherapy.
She has been told by Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital that they cannot operate on her tumour.
Mrs Pilchota’s fundraising goal is $150,000 that will allow her to travel over east to have a consultation with neurosurgeon Charlie Teo.
“I’ve been in touch with him and he’s happy for us to come across as soon as we’re ready,” she said.
“From what I’m lead to believe the surgery is about $92,000.
“We’re talking to Dr Teo to see if we can do it on the cheap because we are not that rich at the moment.
“My husband has had to continue working and hasn’t been here most of the time.”
Mrs Pilchota said she is hoping to get over to see Dr Teo before June 2019.
She said the sooner the better.
The skydive is just one of many fundraisers taking place or in the works to help the Pilchota family get some medical assistance.
Constable Price said he is nervous for the jump that is taking place on Sunday, December 23.
“The lads at the station haven’t helped in that respect,” he said talking about her nerves.
“They’ve been showing me a lot of skydiving videos.
“It doesn’t help.
“If I can jump out of a plane I’m sure people can find it to donate.”
To date, $1,600 has been donated on the skydiving Go Fund me page.
The skydive day is set to be a family affair with watersides, food, music and a bar.
The public is encouraged to attend.
