A MUM who has raised money for Manorlands took the plunge to mark her 50th birthday and the completion of gruelling cancer treatment.

Julie Hodgson and husband Kevin were treated to a tandem parachute jump by their son James, an RAF training instructor based at Brize Norton.

And she took the opportunity to coin-in cash for Yorkshire Cancer Support.

James and his wife Danielle also took part in the jump.

Julie underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

She was found to have the disease after being randomly selected for a trial at St Luke's Hospital in Bradford.

"I was called in last June as part of a trial for women under 50 to have a mammogram. I had no indication anything was wrong," she said.

"I have always checked myself really regularly but they said where it was located I would never have felt it. It was really lucky I was called in as part of this trial."

Julie has previously taken part in a Himalayan trek in aid of Manorlands, which cared for her late grandmother.

And she participated in Mount Up for Manorlands, a fundraising horse ride.

After taking part in the parachute jump, she said it was "absolutely amazing".

"It was breathtaking and I was determined to keep my eyes open!" Julie added.

"I didn't realise how fast you are falling. They said we were probably reaching speeds of up to 120 to 130mph."