Great gran, aged 82, completes charity skydive with flying colours

A great-grandma has proved you’re never too old to be an adrenaline junkie – after jumping out of a plane at 11,000ft.

Shirley McConnell, 82, fulfilled a long-standing ambition by taking part in a tandem skydive for charity.

After passing a medical with flying colours, she completed the parachute jump – which included thousands of feet of freefall – to raise money for the Huntington’s Disease Association.

Following her daredevil experience Shirley, of Marsden Road in Romiley, Stockport said:

Shirley, a former receptionist, has remained active since retiring, being a keen walker and gardener.

Joining her at the skydive, in Lancaster, were her grandson Alex McConnell, 30, and his fiancee Tara Goldsmith, 28.

They were raising money for the Huntington’s Disease Association as Tara’s family carries the genetic brain condition.

It has already claimed her dad’s life and a test revealed that she also has the condition.

Their target of raising £1,000 has now been reached but further donations can be given.

Anyone wishing to donate to the cause can visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hdaskydive.