A daring Banbury pensioner found a high-octane way to celebrate her 80th birthday when she took part in a tandem skydive this week in aid of Katharine House.

Octogenarian Ronnie Langdon-Gray, who turned 80 on 22 April, jumped 12,000 feet from a plane on Monday, raising more than £2,500 for local hospice Katharine House.

Ronnie, who is a long-standing volunteer at the hospice, wanted to do something memorable to celebrate her landmark birthday, and raise money for the charity that is so close to her heart.

“It’s surreal, I can’t believe I actually did it! I didn’t feel nervous though, it was a nice chance to sit on someone’s lap and have a free cuddle.”

Ronnie, who has volunteered at the hospice for many years as a receptionist, on the ward and with fundraising, said she was delighted to have raised so much money for Katharine House.

“People are so generous, which is amazing when you think how everyone is having to count their pennies at the moment. There are so many deserving charities out there, but Katharine House is especially deserving. I have been associated with the hospice for so long and have seen the effect it has on people.

“Lots of my friends have been inpatients here, and through volunteering on the ward I have seen how well people are cared for. And their families - it’s not just the patient that gets support, Katharine House considers care as a whole. It’s such a lovely place, and who knows when you or your loved ones might need it.”

If you want to sponsor Ronnie, please visit her JustGiving page.

Related pages

• If you want to be like Ronnie, explore our other fundraising challenge events, or see other fundraising opportunities by visiting Fundraising events and Supporter events.
• To find out more about the work we do, read What we do or explore our For Patients and Families pages.
• To receive regular news about development at the hospice and fundraising events, please sign up to our digital newsletter.