80 YEARS YOUNG AND STILL FLYING HIGH!
07 April 2010
A dare devil grandmother is proving that the sky’s the limit by taking part in a charity sky dive – at the ripe old age of 80.
Mary Shepherd, from Lancaster, who celebrates her landmark birthday in November, is taking part in a tandem skydive to raise funds for the North West Cancer Research Fund (NWCRF), a cause very close to her heart.
Mary said: “I have been Secretary of the NWCRF’s Lunesdale Committee for over 20 years and many members of my family have been affected by cancer. Over the years, the Lunesdale committee and I have raised thousands for the charity, but this is the maddest stunt I’ve ever taken part in.
“The suggestion was a bit of a joke at first but then I thought, “Why not?”. I’m turning 80 this year so I’m celebrating a monumental occasion by doing a monumental feat for charity.”
Under the expert guidance of Lancaster’s Black Knights Parachute Centre instructors, Mary will fly to 10,000 feet before freefalling at a rate of 120 miles per hour. She will undertake her challenge on 7th May.
Mary’s husband Bill, 72, said: “I think she’s mad, but she’s determined to do it. I’m really proud that she’s taking on such a big challenge. I know she’ll be terrified but the fact she wants to do this for NWCRF shows just how brave she is.”
NWCRF funds research into the causes of cancer and how it spreads. The charity has 28 committees all over the North West, who are responsible for a large portion of the £28 million the charity has raised to far.
By keeping administration to a minimum, NWCRF is able to use almost 90p from every £1 donation for research into its life saving work.
Anne Jackson, Chief Executive of NWCRF said “We’ve had people do some wild things to raise money for NWCRF, however Mary’s challenge is by far one of the bravest things anyone has done. I’m so grateful to Mary and her committee for all their ongoing efforts.”
Mary hopes her sky dive will raise £1000 for NWCRF. To support Mary, please visit www.justgiving.com/marysskydive