A BRAVE woman from Yate celebrated her 80th birthday early by jumping out of a plane 15,000ft in the air as part of a fundraising challenge.

Marian Gilpin - who turns 80 in September - took part in the skydive on Friday, June 21.

So far, she has raised more than £1,750 for a project to help a community in the village of Genieri located in The Gambia, West Africa.

Marian - who is also chair of the Yate-Genieri Community Link - says the project includes plans to convert an old schoolroom into a new community centre.

“If I had known that 15,000 feet was around 3 miles, I might not have dared,” she said. 

“It was very cold and a bit scary up there, but I was strapped to a instructor who promised that he had no suicide tendencies, so I trusted everything and jumped when the green light showed.

“Thank you to all of you who have already sponsored me for this mad challenge.”

The town of Yate and the rural village of Genieri have been linked for some 36 years.

First steps for the project include installing a new tiled floor, secure windows, a lockable door and an electricity supply. 

Then some shelving, cupboards and chairs will also be needed.

Marian says if more money than expected is raised, then the walls can be painted inside and out, and some trees planted around the building to provide shade in the hot season.

It is hoped the centre will provide a place for village groups to get together including to administer children's vaccinations, to celebrate family occasions and to project family films.

The village currently has one TV which was previously donated. 

You can donate to the fundraiser here - tinyurl.com/c9heppx2