John Leahy-Mallen, from Sprowston, will be jumping tandem, with an instructor, at Beccles airfield on Saturday, September 13 to raise money for It's On the Ball.

Eastern Daily Press: John and his wife PatJohn and his wife Pat (Image: Archant)

The 58-year-old, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in October 2013, said: 'I was shocked when I got the diagnosis and you think about all those clichés, 'why me?', 'how could it happen?' and 'why now?'

'My main motivation for doing the sky dive is returning something for the treatment I had and to raise funds to help people.'

Eastern Daily Press: John and his wife PatJohn and his wife Pat (Image: Archant)

'I'm a believer in giving back; I'm doing this sky dive for a charity that makes a difference.'

Norwich based charity It's On the Ball, was set up to provide support to patients and their families and raise awareness of testicular cancer.

The cancer is relatively uncommon in the UK, accounting for one per cent of all cancers that occur in men with 2,300 men diagnosed each year.

John is being monitored every three months through clinical examinations and will go through this process for the next three to five years.

The accountant, who works for Pure Letting Limited and is also a Sprowston town councillor, said: 'It's On the Ball offers support post operation. They give out a gift bag which has a DVD in, a magazine and vouchers for healthy food.

'They have regular meetings there for anyone who needs support.'

The father, who has two daughters, will be supported by his wife, Pat, and family and friends when he jumps out of the plane.

'I'm nervous about the jump, and I'd be surprised if I wasn't but I am also looking forward to it.

'I've always wanted to do a sky dive and the good news for me is I'm doing it with a professional. I couldn't do it on my own.'

• To donate to John's run, click here.

• For more information about It's On the Ball visit itsontheball.org