90-year-old Pat Lockett became a nurse aged 18 in 1947 – a year before the NHS even existed – when she came to England from Ireland after the Second World War.

She worked for a variety of hospitals in England and Ireland before her retirement aged 70, when she was working for Frenchay Hospital in Bristol.

Now the Downend resident will be skydiving from 10,000ft on 15 September to raise funds for Above & Beyond.

Aiming to raise £1,000, Pat said: “As a former nurse I know what the NHS means. I still meet up with former colleagues which is how I found out about the sky dive.

“Luckily I’m okay with heights. I’m a bit nervous but more excited. Most people I’ve spoken to who have done one have said they would love to do it again.

“But I do think the best bit will be landing!”

Pat’s husband Mike was treated for bladder cancer at Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre before he sadly passed away two years ago.

Pat said: “Mike had his chemotherapy at Bristol and we were so well looked after.

“It was very good and all the staff were lovely to us.

“Part of the reason I want to do the jump is to say thank you for all their care.”

Pat will have at least 20 members of her family coming to the jump with Go Skydive in Salisbury to cheer her on.

She has 16 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Amy Barnard-Smith, community fundraising officer for Above & Beyond, said: “Pat is one of Above & Beyond’s oldest sky divers ever so it’s no wonder she’s well on the way to her fundraising target.

“I’m really looking forward to going along on the day. Everyone is always buzzing when they come back down and I’m sure Pat will really catch the skydiving bug!”

To sponsor Pat, visit her Just Giving page.

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Anyone interested in skydiving can contact Amy on [email protected].