A DETERMINED young woman has completed a daring skydive from 15,000 feet to raise awareness of a rare genetic condition and give back to the medical professionals who have supported her.
Siana Lucas, from Rudheath, completed a tandem skydive on June 9 to raise money for the Turner Syndrome Clinic at Liverpool Women’s Hospital, raising hundreds of pounds.
The 20-year-old, who has Turner syndrome, wanted to raise awareness of the female-only genetic disorder, which affects one in 2,500 live births, resulting in damaged, broken, or deleted chromosomes.
Some characteristics of the condition include a webbed neck, hooded eyelids, and being short in stature, while other issues that can occur are infertility issues, plus ear, kidney and heart issues.
Siana has had a nephrectomy (kidney removal), mastoid bone removal, keloid scarring, and growth hormone injections from the age of three to the age of 17.
Siana completed the skydive at Tilstock Airfield, organised by University Centre Reaseheath in Nantwich, where she studies; she separately raised funds for the Children's Adventure Farm Trust.
Mum Donna said: “She was so happy to have completed the skydive and feels elated to have so many people sponsor her.
“She raised more than £300 for The Children's Animal Farm Trust and £255 for the Turners Syndrome Clinic at Liverpool Women’s Hospital.
“Dr Sacki (who first diagnosed Siana’s condition), Mr Karkanevatos (ENT surgeon), Mr Didi (endocrinologist), and Dr Cara Williams and Sophie (Liverpool Women’s Hospital) are among the most wonderful people who have medically and mentally helped Siana to reach heights in more ways than one.”
Siana added: “Having mosaic Turner syndrome myself, I have been cared for by a range of different, amazing specialists and I wanted to show my gratitude for how well I have being cared for in the Turner Syndrome Clinic.
“The transition from Alder Hey Children’s Hospital to Liverpool Women’s Hospital has comfortably helped me to transition with my condition from childhood into early adulthood.
“I always wonder what further struggles I would have faced without these diligent and hardworking individuals.
“I also wanted to raise awareness on this condition as it’s not well known.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here