To prepare for turning 60 one woman hurled herself out of a plane at 12,000 ft and secured more than £22,000 for charity in the process.

Denise Small took part in the skydive at Headcorn Aerodrome to fundraise for a family friend who was hit by a car in February of last year.

Nick Grange was in Camden, where he and his wife, Rebecca Armstrong, were living, when he was involved in the accident leaving him in a coma for five months.

The 47-year-old is still unable to walk and only has partial use of his left arm and hand.

His wife of six years, Maidstone-born Rebecca recently discovered they were ineligible for the department of work and pensions mobility vehicle grant they had expected to receive.

In addition a monthly allowance they were paid was also due to stop.

Mr Grange’s friends and family decided to start fundraising to get him a mobility van.

Mrs Small, a widow, had always liked the idea of skydiving so the 59-year-old decided to make it a sponsored event, donating the proceeds entirely to Nick’s aid.

Denise said: “I haven’t had so much fun in years, the whole day was fantastic.

“I had lots of people cheering me on throughout the whole thing which was just lovely.

“I thought I’d be nervous, but I had no nerves throughout the entire day, I was just excited.”

Mrs Small, of Haste Hill Road, Boughton Monchelsea, had been planning the challenge for her birthday in October, but the time felt right and she went for it this month.

She said: “I always thought if I could be brave enough I’d do it, and when I heard about Nick’s van I knew the time was right.

“Everyone feels so helpless in a time like this, so I’m really happy I could do something to help.”

Nick’s wife Rebecca, who is hoping to move back to be near her family in Loose, said: “We’re so grateful for everything Denise has done, she has been amazing throughout. The support we have had throughout has been incredibly touching.

“She’s been an amazing family friend for 23 years and we can’t thank her enough for her hard work.”

Mrs Small’s contributions for Nick’s “Van Solo” has reached nearly £23,000 in just over three weeks.

To find out more, and to donate, click here.