A DAREDEVIL pensioner is jumping out of a plane for a cause dear to her heart.

Helen Fowler, aged 71, will be plunging earthwards at 120mph later this month to raise money for Arthritis Research UK’s Pershore branch.

Mrs Fowler isn't fazed by the prospect of being strapped to a stranger wearing a parachute, climbing to 12,000ft in a light aircraft and then taking a leap into fresh air.

It will be the first time she has done a skydive and is happy “leading from the front”.

The jump came about after the regional fund-raising chiefs for the charity decided to mark the 75th anniversary of the cause by getting 75 jumpers, as near to 75 years old as they could find, to leap from a plane.

Mrs Fowler, Pershore branch president, said: “My committee were very supportive and immediately said ‘we know someone who could do that, don’t we Helen?’ “The man will push me out the door and we’ll be heading towards the earth in freefall for 55 seconds – I’ve done my research.

“The only thing to worry about really is the landing.”

Mrs Fowler, who worked at what was the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries in the dairy advisory service for 30 years, retired in 1991 but is much involved in charity and voluntary work.

She is keeping her mind occupied in the run-up to the jump from Swansea airfield on Sunday, June 26, helping plan the village fair at Charlton where she lives on June 18.

“I won’t chicken out,” she said. “Arthritis is one of the most insidious things, which causes people to retire early and brings a lot of discomfort.

“So, I’ve decided to go for it. You put your hand on the plough and never look back.

“One crowded hour of glorious life is worth an age without a name.”

To sponsor Mrs Fowler call her on 01386 860331 log on to justgiving.com/HelenAnnFowler or send a cheque payable to Arthritis Research UK Pershore branch to Willowbrook, Merryfield, Charlton, near Pershore, WR10 3LN.