90-year-old-with chronic leukaemia skydives for charity
<p>A thrill-seeking 90-year-old has celebrated her birthday - in what some would call an unconventional manner for her age - by skydiving, and raising £5,000 for a homeless charity in the process.</p>
<p>Shirley Robinson, from Long Clawson in Leicestershire, jumped out of a plane at 14,000ft for the fundraiser at Skydive Langar in Nottinghamshire.</p>
<p>Shirley, who was diagnosed with chronic leukaemia in 2022, raised funds for Crisis, a charity that provides help and support for homeless people.</p>
<p>She told <em>BBC News</em>, “It's just wonderful how generous people have been. It's lovely.”</p>
<p>Footage of her dive saw Shirley styled in a bright blue jumpsuit as she was cheered on by family and friends before getting on the plane.</p>
<p>She smiled and waved at the camera as she was strapped to her skydiving instructor.</p>
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<p>After Shirley’s adrenaline packed skydive, she landed safely in a field and can be heard in the video exclaiming, “That was wonderful.”</p>
<p>When asked about her favourite part of the experience, she responded, “That was lovely, going through the clouds.”</p>
<p>She confessed afterwards that the free fall was a “bit breathtaking” but she “loved it” before thanking her instructor for looking after her.</p>
<p>Shirley returned to a hero’s welcome with her beaming friends and family congratulating her.</p>
<p>A spokesperson for the charity said, “We want to say an enormous thank you to Shirley for the incredible amount of money she has raised.</p>
<p>“Shirley's donation will provide vital support for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. We're so grateful.”</p>
<p><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>