Phoenix Takes Flight above Abel Tasman

Nine year old Nelson cancer sufferer Phoenix Stafford had a dream come true this afternoon when he leapt from 15,000 feet above sea level in a tandem skydive with Abel Tasman Skydive. Phoenix was joined in his jump by celebrity chef Aaron Carotta, who is in the region filming his show “Catch and Cook with Adventure Aaron”.

Phoenix, who has a cancerous tumour on his spine, was told by doctors earlier this month that radiation and chemotherapy were having no effect and they could do no more for him. Family, friends and the local community have rallied to support Phoenix in his battle against cancer by raising funds to finance alternative treatment options.

Skydiving has always been a dream of Phoenix’s and when Carotta and Nelson Tasman Tourism heard this they approached Abel Tasman Skydive to make it happen. Carotta - who is in remission from cancer - found fame filming the travel adventure series “Alive! With Aaron Carotta”, which focuses on Aarons' life after being diagnosed with cancer. He is currently in the Nelson Tasman region filming for his hit show, ‘Catch and Cook’ which will be seen by over 120 million viewers across the globe.

Aaron says, “The skydive was simply phenomenal and I was delighted to be able to share the experience with such a brave guy like Phoenix. In my own fight against cancer I realised how important it is to celebrate being alive and to embrace new challenges. I’d like to thank Abel Tasman Skydive for giving us this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Phoenix was equally ebullient, (although less outspoken) stating the jump was “Pretty awesome”. The look on his face was enough for mum Renea Pidduck.

The filming for ‘Catch and Cook’ began in the Nelson Tasman region today and involves Aaron being challenged by local chef and fishing guru Daryl Crimp - who has challenged Aaron to catch the ingredients for a true local feed. The show will highlight the abundance of seafood available in the Nelson Tasman region as well as other unique local produce including Neudorf mushrooms, Sprig and Fern beer and the delicious hospitality of Kay and Joe Waller at A Culinary Experience B&B.