‘Flying nan’ to do skydive in aid of brain charity

Pat Roberts, 66, of Bolsover Road, Worthing, will fulfil a long-standing ambition on June 29 after her husband purchased a skydive experience for Christmas.

The ‘flying nan’, as she is now being dubbed, is raising money for SHINE, which helps people who suffer from hydrocephalus – a condition which causes a build-up of fluid on the brain.

Pat’s grand-daughter, Zoe, was diagnosed when she was just five months old.

Pat said: “I’ve always wanted to do something like this. Not necessarily a skydive but something similar, like a parachute jump.

“I am a little bit nervous but it is something I’ve always wanted to do and I shall look forward to doing it.”

After Zoe was diagnosed, she was fitted with a device called a shunt, which drains away excess fluid from around the brain.

But due to complications, just two months later, at the age of seven months, it needed to be fitted again.

Pat said: “As she grows up, we wait to see if there has been any permanent damage from the increased pressure on her brain.

“She is now a very happy three-year-old, looking forward to starting school in September. “

To donate to Pat’s cause, visit www.justgiving.com/Pat-Roberts1