Axminster woman plans a parachute jump to mark her 50th birthday - to raise money for the Children’s Hospice South West

An Axminster woman is planning an unusual way to celebrate her 50th birthday – by throwing herself out of an aeroplane

Despite her fear of flying Mandy Dewing aims to mark her special anniversary by taking part in a charity skydive.

A sales advisor with Persimmon Homes South West, she will take to the skies next month, hoping to raise hundreds of pounds for the Children’s Hospice South West.

The mother-of-two, says she has always wanted to try a parachute jump but realised she would have to combat her fear of flying first.

Now she is committed to jumping out of a plane on May 10 after taking off from Dunkeswell Airfield, near Honiton.

The 1,500ft jump will be in tandem with an instructor and while Mandy admits she will be petrified she is also very excited about the charity stunt.

Mandy, who also has a nine-month-old granddaughter, said: “I have always wanted to do a skydive and, as I approached my 50th birthday, I thought I had better do it sooner rather than later before I become too old.

“I am petrified of flying. When the children were small we did two trips to Australia and I was so worried that I kept crying and was a wreck. I have got a little better over the years and am not quite as bad now but I will be pushing my limits to do this skydive, especially in a small plane.

“But I am a ‘get up and goer’ and it is something I have wanted to do, so I will do it. I am very excited about it but it will be scary as well.”

Mandy, who joined Persimmon Homes South West last October, has already enlisted the support of her employers as the builder has pledged to donate £250 to her fundraising total.

Nina Hester, sales and marketing director, said: “We are delighted to support Mandy in her charity skydive. She is a great sales advisor and always goes the extra mile for her customers.

“It seemed only right that we support her and wish her all the best in her charity jump.”

* Mandy has created a giving page at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MandyDewing where people can show their support.