Friends of Helen Hoffman took her at her word when she casually remarked she would like to do a parachute jump after watching a friend do one at RAF Weston-on-the-Green.

They clubbed together to give Mrs Hoffman, of Chadlington, a tandem jump as a present for her 50th birthday earlier this year.

On Saturday, June 15, weather permitting, Mrs Hoffman will make the jump to raise money for Sophie's Campaign for the Children's Ward for Interesting Things To Do.

Sophie Watson, a former pupil of Burford School, set up the charity while being treated for cancer at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital. She was diagnosed at 14 and was treated for four years before she died in January 2000.

Anyone wishing to sponsor Mrs Hoffman should go to The Tite Inn, Slatters butchers and the post office in Chadlington.