A WREXHAM woman will mark her 70th birthday by throwing herself out of a plane – but its all for a good cause.

On December 5, Jan Shurmer will take to the skies and drop through the air from 10,000 feet for a cause close to her heart – as well as her whole family.

On her fundraising page, Jan said: “I will be jumping Tilstock Airfield and am doing so for a very special cause.

“Some of you are aware, but earlier this year my 10-year-old great-niece, Eva, was given a devastating diagnosis called Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG).”

Many will have recently caught Eva when she appeared on BBC's Children in Need with her family to highlight her story. She also spoke about the support she receives from the Joshua Tree charity.

Jan continues: “DIPG is a cancerous tumour which grows in the brain stem, and so cannot be operated on, and chemotherapy has no effect.

“The only UK treatment option is radiotherapy, which offers temporary respite against the symptoms, but after a few months, the tumour grows back more aggressively and quickly than before.

“The average survival time for children post-diagnosis is less than 12 months.

“In the USA, there are a number of clinical trials being run which are starting to offer some hope to families affected by DIPG, showing life extending results.

“Unfortunately, for families outside the US, without a US healthcare plan, these trials cost hundreds of thousands of pounds just to get access – some in excess of a million dollars – putting them out of reach for most.

“The family have been raising money already, but to help, I am asking for people to sponsor my jump and help get Eva treatment abroad.

“If you can spare anything at all, please donate as every single pound helps get them closer to travelling … and of course, wish me luck!”

The fundraiser has almost gone to double its target – and is within touching distance of £1,000.

To support Jan, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/skydiving-for-unbeatable-eva.