A Stevenage grandmother-of-five will make a leap of faith this weekend when she takes part in a tandem skydive for charity.

Tracy Kosmalski of estate agents Putterills is taking to the sky to raise money for the children’s A&E ward at Lister Hospital.

Tracy, 59, is hoping her charity skydive will help raise enough money for an interactive floor in the ward waiting room.

“I decided that I wanted to do something for the children’s ward after one of my granddaughters spent some time there last year,” she said.

“The staff and their care were wonderful.

“I asked the hospital if I could help and they told me they are trying to raise approximately £8,000 to buy an interactive floor for the children’s A&E waiting area.

“It is usually very busy and often with long waiting times. Although there are some toys, the children need something to help pass away the time.

“At the hospital I met Sam Skipp from the fundraising team and two of the play specialists.

“After showing me some of their wonderful work, I felt this was absolutely the right thing to do.”

Tracy will be supported by her friends and family when she makes her jump from 13,000 feet.

Despite booking the skydive near Peterborough at the end of last year, she has only just told her mother.

Tracy said: “She will be 93 in May and I wasn’t sure how she would react – but after the initial shock she opened her purse and donated.

“I’m sure on the day she will have her arms outstretched to try and catch me.”

Supported by friends, colleagues and other businesses in Stevenage, Tracy has raised nearly £2,000 and was keen to thank everyone who has donated.

She said: “I would like to thank everyone who has helped me so far.

“The generosity has been tremendous.”

To donate, visit the Putterills office in Stevenage Old Town or have a look at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/tracyjumpsfromplane.