For those who don’t know me, my name is Mary and I turned 80 on 14th April this year. My, my, how time has flown!

My family wanted to know how I planned to celebrate this landmark birthday…..perhaps a meal together, a trip to the theatre or maybe even a little party?

They should have known better by now, after all, I have never been one to do what people expect.

So, to mark my entry into the octogenarian club, I will be taking on a series of challenges to prove that age is just a number…in my case quite a big number 😂

On 31st August 2024, I will be throwing myself out of a perfectly comfortable aeroplane over the Devonshire countryside from 15,000 feet, hopefully accompanied by a handsome young tandem skydiver (and a parachute).

The thought of this absolutely terrifies me but I am going to do it anyway.

The 31st August is very, very important being the day that my darling son Spencer (Spenny) Bates passed away in 2011 from Motor Neurone Disease. The hole that was left by losing him could never be filled but he wanted us all to carry on raising awareness and money for research until a cure is found for this awful disease.

If that means skydiving in my 80's, swimming with sharks in my 90's or ski jumping on my 100th birthday, I will do whatever it takes to keep my promise to him! If I reach my fundraising target, I may even take on a wing walk on the same day as the parachute jump! 🪂

Just in case, you are wondering how a superhero fits in, I will be dressed in the famous red and black costume in honour of Oliver, an amazing 11 year old who lost his life to MND. He loved Spiderman!

It would mean so much to me, Spenny’s family and all those living with MND or yet to be diagnosed, if you can donate what you can, no matter how large or small. Every penny will make a difference.

I would also love others to join me on this day. There are lots of spaces on the plane at the Dunkeswell Airfield and there are also airfields all around the country where you can participate. The thought of hundreds of people soaring through the sky like eagles is so exciting and the money raised for MND research is vital. You can jump from 7000ft and 10,000ft from all venues and if you are feeling particularly brave, you can choose 15,000ft at Dunkeswell, Leeds and Bedford.

To book or for more details visit www.britishskydiving.org or www.skydiveireland.com.

If you are intrepid enough to join me in jumping on 31st August, it would be wonderful if you could link your Just Giving page to mine (join my team) and we can really see the full impact of our joint fundraising.

Wish me luck

Mary ❤️

Funds raised from my page will be divided the national MND Association and the West Dorset Branch, which supports local people living with MND.

Thank you for visiting my JustGiving page supporting the MND Association. The MND Association focus on improving access to care, research and campaigning for those people living with or affected by MND in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. By sponsoring me your money will help people affected by Motor Neurone Disease. Once you donate, JustGiving will send your money directly to the MND Association. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and secure, your details are safe - they'll never sell them or send unwanted emails. Thank you again