Not everyone spends their retirement jumping out of planes, but for a 68-year-old from Bellingham, it is a way to support a great cause.
Elizabeth Bland, who took to the skies in November at the age of 67, successfully raised £850 by jumping from 15,000 feet from the skies over County Durham which has now been donated to Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).
This was not her first time taking the plunge for charity. Back in 2014, she completed a 14,000-foot jump in the Lake District, raising £500 for the life-saving charity.
“A very good friend of mine, her daughter was involved in an accident. She broke her leg and had to be airlifted to hospital and since then I've always wanted to raise funds for the charity.
"I did 14,000 feet the first time, and the second time 15,000 feet so I’ve got no fear of heights. The first one I was nervous but the second one I took it in my stride. I didn’t think about it, I just did it!
“They say things happen in threes, so I may do it again this year but I think I’ll do it in the Lakes again," she said.
Her husband, Alan Bland, who still competes in car rallies, has also dedicated efforts to supporting the air ambulance service.
In 2017, he travelled to the Isle of Mull for the Mull Targa Rally and raised £1,700 for GNAAS through sponsorships and donations. His contributions were recognised when he received a Hexham Constituency Community Champion Award from former MP Guy Opperman.
"We always like to get involved with the air ambulance. We help out with the country shows, go around and empty charity boxes for them. We can’t do enough for them!" Elizabeth said.
"Thanks to everyone who donated," she said.
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