BUDE mum of two, Marie Quinton, will be making a solo skydive jump for charity this summer.

The event will take place in Perranporth on June 6, and raise funds for both the Cornwall Air Ambulance and Highfield House child development centre of Barnstaple. Marie has personal ties to the children's centre, after her grand-daughter Ellie Rose, who received special needs treatment there died so unfortunately three years ago.

She also chose to donate for the air ambulance, due to the vital contribution it makes to Bude. "The air ambulance is so important to the area, with the hospitals such a distance away. It is something we see so often and is a fantastic service to have."

It is Marie's first sky dive and as well as giving to charity, she will be celebrating her 40th birthday – despite the fact it takes place in December. "It isn't possible to make the jump at the time of my birthday due to the conditions, so we decided to do it in June. It is an early treat!"

Marie is now looking for sponsorship, and has started very positively. "On my first day of collecting I raised £119. Obviously family and friends have been made aware and I will be asking businesses in Bude if they would like to contribute towards the donations.

Sponsorship forms are available at the Short and Abbott agricultural workshop, in Bridgerule, where Marie works.

Alternatively, anybody interested in making a contribution can contact her via telephone on 07527 622964 or email at [email protected]">[email protected].