Essex grandmother, 72, takes on skydive for BLESMA

A 72-year-old grandmother from near Saffron Walden is embarking on her fourth parachute jump to raise money for the bomb disposal unit at Carver Barracks.

Jane Ward-Booth, of Walden Road, Debden, will be jumping in tandem with an instructor at Netheravon, Wiltshire on Saturday August 29 in aid of BLESMA (British limbless ex-service men and women association).

Mrs Ward-Booth has twice previously parachuted while holidaying in New Zealand as well as taking part in another charity jump on home soil and hopes to raise £1,000.

She said: “There are lots of sponsored cycle rides and running events in the village, but I’m too elderly for that so I thought I’d jump out of a plane instead. You don’t have to be so fit for a parachute jump.

“I never say no to anything, my grandchildren weren’t sure about paragliding on holiday recently, but I told them to have a go and joined in.”

Anyone wishing to donate can send cheques made payable to ‘Central Bank Wimbish Station’ to; Rectory Gate, Walden Road, Debden, Saffron Walden. CB11 3JU or online at www.justgiving.com/Jane-Ward-Booth/.