A PENSIONER from Clevedon is to celebrate his 76th birthday by jumping out of a plane for charity. John Wilkins is to take part in a mass

A PENSIONER from Clevedon is to celebrate his 76th birthday by jumping out of a plane for charity.John Wilkins is to take part in a mass skydive in aid of helping to raise money for the Bristol Children's Hospital Charity, the Wallace and Gromit Grand Appeal.The fund-raising event will take place in Swindon and so far John is one of 19 daredevils who have signed up.The majority of people taking part come from Clevedon and include a team of five from local pubs, The Wagon and Horses and the Clock Tower.The event is part of a wider personal challenge which John has set himself to reach a massive fund-raising target of £100,000 for the charity.Over the past nine years he has raised £75,000 for the appeal through daring stunts including skydiving, bungy jumping, abseiling, white water rafting and most recently a zip slide down the Avon Gorge with his 12-year-old grandson Elliott.John said: "When you get to my age, you need to think of ways to spice up your birthday and doing a mass skydive will certainly get the adrenalin flowing."I'm delighted that so many people are joining me and helping to make it such a special occasion and we will also raise lots of money for the children's hospital."To sign up for the Easter weekend skydive or register for another event, contact the appeal on 0117 9273888.