Brightlingsea's Susan Durling 76, to skydive for cancer charity

Currently living in Brightlingsea, the former healthcare assistant at Colchester Hospital has partaken in similar stunts before.

Earlier this year, Mrs Durling zoomed along the world’s fastest zip wire, which is in Penrhyn Quarry, Wales.

And although the latest challenge she is set to throw herself into has always been on her bucket list, she has needed an excuse to get out and do it.

Having raised money as part of the Colchester Relay for Life two years ago after her daughter was successfully treated for breast cancer, Mrs Durling was trying to think of ways to raise even more cash for the charity.

It was after her granddaughter’s partner said he would like to give skydiving a try that Mrs Durling instinctively said she would fancy giving it a go too.

Mrs Durling’s granddaughter, Hannah Woodiwiss, said: “We were trying to think of different ways to raise money.

Fundraiser – Susan Durling raised £5,000 at the Colchester Relay for Life earlier this year (Image: Hannah Woodiwiss)

“We collected aluminium cans and they go to a scrap merchant, but she thought she would do skydiving for something different.”

There is one lingering doubt which her family is trying to disprove, Miss Woodiwiss added.

“She doesn’t think anyone will donate because she’s old,” she said. 

Miss Woodiwiss continued: “My partner Jack said he wanted to skydive for charity, and then nan said, ‘I will do it with you and keep you company up there’.”

Of course, with the two having committed to go through with the skydive, there’s no backing out now – the date of Wednesday, September 20 is now firmly set in the calendar.

Mrs Durling’s daughter Joanne Woodiwiss, who is now cancer free, added: “I received great treatment at Colchester and we wanted to pay back a bit.

“We raised £5,000 [through the Relay for Life] last year, but this year we hope to raise a little bit more.”

Any donations towards the fundraiser can be made via tinyurl.com/2why2bc2.