A 70-YEAR-OLD disabled badge holder has defied expectations by conquering an epic dive out of an aeroplane for charity.

Sue Bannerman, who lives in Combe St Nicholas, has already raised more than £1,000 with her daredevil effort, but is hoping to add to that.

As Sue is splitting the funds raised between three beloved charities, she is hoping to hit the £1,500 mark, giving them £500 each.

She said: “I recently did a skydive, which at my age I think it quite special. I have a blue disabled badge as well.

“I moved to Combe St Nicholas in the autumn.

“In December I went into a Ferne Animal Sanctuary shop and saw an article by a volunteer saying it was the best thing they had done.

“I have also supported the Donkey Sanctuary for many years, and Cats Protection as well.”

With more than 240 people coming forward to pledge Sue some cash, she passed the £1,000 mark before her jump.

She added: “I have never done anything like this in my life.

“It wasn’t until they opened the doors of the plane to let the camera man out that I though ‘oh my god, there is a lot of space there’.”

As well as being 70, Sue has also had a hip replaced twice - but that wouldn’t stop her from doing a skydive again.

“Ferne is a very small family run charity,” she said.

“Some people in Chard don’t even know where they are.

“I am in love with Ferne Animal Sanctuary.

“Vets don’t work for reduced money, safe medicine still costs the same.

“I would do it again in a couple of years time, and this time just for Ferne Animal Sanctuary.”

Sue added that Cats Protection has been ‘wonderfully supportive’, and that she has chosen for that money to go to the Glastonbury and Wells branch, because she had two friends who helped there.

To donate to Sue’s effort, visit virginmoneygiving.com/SueBannerman.