A 78-YEAR-OLD RAF veteran is proving that age is nothing but a number as she takes to the skies in honour of her late husband.

This September Pru Hardie, who lives in Highworth, will skydive in a bid to raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimer’s Society.

“I always knew I wanted to do something that would be a challenge and a bit different. I can’t walk to John O’Groats or swim the channel but I can damn well do this, I’m excited about it,” said Pru.

The skydive has a special significance for the mother-of-two. In November last year her beloved husband of 50 years John died aged 78 after a seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s. The pair met when they were both Loadmasters in the RAF.

“John was a very mentally strong man and he inspired the men he worked with. He also had a great love of family,” said Pru.

“It began when John started to have a serious problem with remembering which was completely out of character. When he was diagnosed it placed enormous strain on the family and it was so upsetting to lose him.”

And the grandmother-of-two said she also wants to prove that age shouldn’t be a barrier to achievement.

“Anyone at any age should be able to do what they want, such as jumping out of a plane. I want to show people that it can be done,” she said.

Pru has been a member of the Highworth branch of the Royal British Legion for five years. It was during a meeting that a skydive was first suggested to her.

“When I put my hand up and said I wanted to do it there were a few surprised faces and wows but I knew it was the right challenge for me. I wanted to do something different.

Pru is no stranger to the skies, having 50 years aviation experience and said she is ready for the challenge.

“I’m used to being up in planes, I’ve lived a lot of my life in the air so it doesn’t bother me," she said.

“I will be thinking of John and raising money for the charity, that will inspire me to jump out.”

Weather permitting, Pru will skydive at the London Parachute School on September 11. She hopes to raise £1,000 for the charity.

“I always knew I wanted to fundraise for a charity that provides such amazing help and support. I’ve had a few donations already but I really hope people get behind me,” she said.

Pru will be cheered on by her children Alison, 41, Graeme, 40, along with her two grandsons Callum, 15 and nine-year-old Mikey.

Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects the brain and can cause memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language.

The charity funds research and aims to improve the quality of life for those with the condition and carers.

To sponsor Pru visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/pruhardie