An Abergavenny grandmother took the plunge to achieve a lifetime’s ambition with a 12,000 foot sky dive and raised more than £420 for the children’s charity Barnardo’s Cymru.

Veronica Williams, Chairwoman of the Abergavenny Barnardo’s Helper Group, said “The day was a most amazing, exhilarating and exciting event, everything I had imagined and more.

“I loved every minute.”

Mrs Williams, who has three grown-up children and two grandchildren took part in a tandem parachute jump at the Swansea Sky Dive Centre.

“My family and friends gave me great support which was much appreciated.

“My sky dive instructor Grayson Summers was incredible, great respect to him. He enabled me to enjoy every moment with his positivity and professionalism. Sky Dive Swansea were great from the first phone call to book the dive, to the debriefing and completion of the day.

“I have many people I would like to thank, so please accept my gratitude and appreciation to all who sponsored me and wished me good luck. I have been touched by the generosity people have shown, thank you. So far, £421 has been donated.

“A £5 donation could pay for toys and games needed for a child’s play therapy session; £10 could buy materials to teach a young carer how to cook healthy meals; and £25 could buy three food parcels for a vulnerable young person. So thank you again, the amount collected will make a difference.”

This year, Barnardo’s celebrates its 150th anniversary and the Abergavenny group with Mrs Williams were among those invited to a Royal garden party at Buckingham Palace in May in celebration.

“I also had a milestone birthday and it was my lifelong wish to do a sky dive,” said Mrs Williams. “So it seemed a great opportunity to raise funds for a charity which is so very special to me.