A PENSIONER is planning to throw herself out of a plane this summer, to raise funds for a cause dear to her heart.

Thelma Acland, aged 76, from Longhope, is set to jump from a height of 13,000 feet in a tandem skydive to raise funds for the Royal British Legion (RBL) Poppy Appeal on Sunday, July 7.

She is reaching for the skies at Netheravon in Wiltshire, with the Army Parachute Association.

Thelma, pictured right, said: “I am a member of the Longhope and District branch of the RBL and my husband, Roger Acland, is the current chairman.

“Roger took part in the legion’s Western Front Trek in 2018 and I felt I would like to do something out of the ordinary like that for the Poppy Appeal myself – hence the skydive.

“Money raised makes such a huge difference to service personnel, veterans and their families who rely on our support throughout the year,” added the pensioner, who is almost 77, and has already raised £315 towards her goal of £1,000.

The Royal British Legion is the UK’s leading charity providing financial, social and emotional support to millions who have served and are currently serving in the British Armed Forces and their dependents.