By Sian Rodgers
A daredevil gran has finally achieved her dream of jumping out of a plane after waiting 30 years.
Shirley Ellis, from Tonbridge, leapt 12,000ft at Headcorn Aerodrome, in Ashford.
Speaking prior to the jump, she told KentOnline: "I have wanted to jump out of an aeroplane for a very, very long time.
“My first attempt would have been a solo jump back when I was 40 years old.
“Now a 70-year-old who has lost a bit of nerve to do a solo jump but still wanted to jump out of an aeroplane so that is why I have opted to do a tandem jump instead.”
This means she was strapped to an instructor during the descent.
Shirley was not able to do the skydive for the first time around, 30 years ago, due to a change in weather conditions and because she then sprained her ankle playing netball.
“I was really disappointed,” she added. “I sort of held it because I just thought one day I am going to do this.
“It is not something you do every day of your life. I am looking forward to realising my dreams.
“My grandchildren see this as something their crazy, super-gran is doing again so why should I disappoint.”
The retiree did the skydive to raise money for her “favourite” charity Stand By Me which supports some of the world’s poorest families to help them lead a better life.
So far she has raised more than £1,500 for the Essex-based foundation. You can donate here.
Shirley added: “I celebrated my 70th birthday and 50th anniversary last year and I was overwhelmed by the love and kindness.
“All these acts of kindness were treats to me, so this year I wanted to do something special and raise lots of money for those children and families who are less fortunate.
“The charity does all it can for families and children to have a better way of life with anything from clothing, food, shelter all the basic needs we take for granted
“When I heard about its work, I thought that is a charity I want to support.”
Speaking after the jump, the 70-year-old said: “The skydive experience was truly amazing.
“Having waited 30 years to finally get round to doing a parachute jump, I can honestly say it was well worth waiting for.”
