Documentary of Chris Parry: Hell Jumper

Currently displayed in the South Aisle of the cathedral is a portrait of Chris Parry, the young Cornish volunteer who was killed in early 2023 in the Ukraine, while working as a rescuer. The portrait was painted by Russell Haines and is accompanied by a medal given to Chris by the Ukraine government, acknowledging his courage in rescuing more than 400 civilians from the front lines following the Russian invasion.

With the cooperation of his family and friends, the BBC has produced a documentary reflecting on Chris’ life and the lives of others engaged in similar work. Much of the footage of the documentary is that of real rescues taking place in battle zones and it is both a raw and remarkable depiction.

Along with others, I conducted Chris’ Funeral at the cathedral on 10 March 2023 and attended a premier of the documentary at the Plaza Cinema in Truro on Sunday 7 July.

The film does not shy away from showing the brutal reality of life on the front line of the conflict, while at the same time, it shows something of the love that we can have for those who are closest to us, despite all of this. I found it remarkable and deeply moving. A very human story hatched from an incredibly inhumane environment.

The documentary was shown on Wednesday 24 July 2024 on BBC2 and is available on iPlayer.  The portrait of Chris and the medal will be displayed in the cathedral until 1 September. There is an opportunity to light a candle by the portrait and leave a prayer as we reflect together on the grief conflict can bring and hope for more peaceful times.

Link to 'Hell Jumper' documentary on iPlayer

Canon Alan Bashforth.