A DARING former Stourbridge woman will be taking to the skies for a charity wing walk in aid of Mary Stevens Hospice this week.

Alison Hollis, who grew up in Stourbridge and now lives in London, will be taking on the exhilarating challenge on Friday September 22 to raise money for the Oldswinford charity as a thank you for the care they gave to her mom Sandra who spent her final days at the Hagley Road hospice.

She said: “My mum died over 17 years ago from breast cancer and her last days were made comfortable and endurable by the hospice team, who were simply amazing.

"For me, they helped manage my mother's passing and come to terms with my loss and my feelings. Spending time with me after her death through counselling to understand my grief and pain. Without them I don't know how I would have coped."

She said raising money by taking part in the wing walking event seemed like a great "out-there way to say thank you" again and she added: "I have never done it before and know I will be terrified, but in a good way.

"I'm proud to be able help, in a small way, through this sponsorship, even if it means having my eyes closed for the whole flight."

Gutsy Alison has already raised £1,735 - having received huge support from friends and neighbours - and she has not even taken off yet.

Anyone wishing to boost Alison's sponsorship to help the hospice can go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alison-hollis.

Laura Millard, community engagement officer for Mary Stevens Hospice, said: “We have some truly wonderful supporters who never cease to surprise us with the ways they show their support.

"However, I must admit we did a bit of a double-take when we saw what Alison was going to do for us. She's an inspiration and we're so grateful to her for this remarkable thing she's doing.

"We'll be right behind her every step of the way, albeit a lot closer to the safety of the ground."