Paul Luce, a landscape gardener, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in March 2025 after a routine FIT test.
His wife Gemma Luce said the test, which is offered to everyone over 50, likely saved his life.
Mrs Luce said: “We’re lucky Paul had that FIT test for the over-50s or we would never have known he had cancer.
“If he hadn’t had any treatment we have been told he would have only had about three months.”
Shortly after his diagnosis, Mr Luce began chemotherapy at the Velindre Cancer Centre.
He later underwent surgery that led to complications, spending a week in intensive care and several more weeks recovering in hospital.
Gemma and their son, Callum, alongside friends Brian and Claire Morgan and Andy Kingman, are now are now taking on a skydive to raise funds for Velindre, which they describe as a source of constant support, and as “absolute angels” by Gemma.
Mrs Luce said: “Velindre was our lifeline.
“Special nurses, 24/7 care, and complementary therapies kept us going.
“We just want to give something back to them.
“Their nurses are just a different class and they are amazing.
“We want to help them fund all the other therapies and services they provide to support families going through cancer treatment.
“We don’t know what we would have done without them.”
The Luce family hope their story will raise awareness of bowel cancer and the importance of routine screening.
They are urging everyone eligible to complete the FIT test, as early detection can save lives.
The skydive is scheduled for August 22, with all costs covered personally by the participants.
Every penny raised will go directly to Velindre Cancer Centre to help fund patient care and additional services.
Donations can be made through the family’s fundraising page or via Velindre charity boxes.
Velindre Cancer Service delivers exceptional cancer services to over 1.7 million people across South East Wales and beyond.
Funds raised help the charity deliver projects and services that go beyond standard NHS care for cancer patients.
