Daredevil granny Mary (75) to skydive for victims of war in Palestine

A kind-hearted grandmother is preparing for her first – and last – skydive to raise funds for victims of the war in Palestine.

Mary McDonnell (75) will jump from 10,000 feet (3.5km) over Clonbullogue, Co Offaly, in tandem with her son Michael on Sunday, February 11.

Their effort is in aid of two charities working on the ground in war-ravaged Gaza – Medical Aid for Palestinians and Palestinian Children’s Relief.

“I’ve never skydived, and I can guarantee you I never will do it again,” said Ms McDonnell, from Nenagh, Co Tipperary.

“I’m not good with heights, so it goes without saying I’m terrified of this, but what keeps me going is the people we’re trying to raise money for.

“On humanitarian grounds, I find it very difficult to ignore the utter devastation that is taking place in Gaza.

“The death toll is rising daily, with women and children being the greater number killed. People in Ireland have been just amazing, showing their solidarity by protesting and calling for a ceasefire.

“All over the country, people have organised various events to raise money to go to different charities on the ground in Gaza and we just wanted to do something as a family as our contribution, and the skydive is it.”

Since launching their GoFundMe appeal last week, over €9,000 has been pledged.

The two charities we have chosen were recommended to us and are on the ground there with a strong track record of delivery, so we know every cent will help,” Ms McDonnell said.

Explaining how the skydive came about, she added: “We wanted to do something as a family and my son Michael asked if I would chance doing a skydive to raise money and I immediately said no because I’d be scared stiff to do it.

“But then you think of the reason we’re doing it and it makes your fear seem so small compared with the fear the people of Gaza have every night they go to bed, wondering will there even be a tomorrow. So I thought, just get on with it.”

Her son added: “Mam is a bit of a daredevil, but as she says herself, this is a different level – it’s a 10,000-feet level and you’re strapped on to a person hoping everything goes right.

“I think she’s the bravest one of the two of us, but I’m delighted we’re doing it together.”

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