A BRAVE grandmother is set to fly through the air strapped to the top of an aeroplane to raise cash for a carers charity.

Thrill-seeker Esther Makings, from Shotgate, will take on a Wing Walk in a bid to bring in more than £600 for Crossroads Care.

She has also set herself a personal target of shedding three-and-a-half stone before September in order to meet the 12 stone maximum weight allowance.

She has worked for the charity, which supports people across Basildon and Brentwood who care for elderly or disabled loved ones, for more than eight years.

Esther, 58, a loyal West Ham United fan, has previously given time to other good causes, including St John Ambulance, the Samaritans and the Cub Scouts. Her job as a Care Support Worker is to look after people with dementia and other disabilities and give their relatives a respite break of around three hours at a time.

Esther said: “It’s a privilege to come into these families’ homes and lend a hand.

“I’ve got to know them extremely well over the years and I know the respite break for two or three hours that I’m able to give the carer makes a big difference to their lives. I really do enjoy my job.”

The self-confessed “daredevil”

will host a curry night at the Tandoori Parlour, in Hart Road, Thundersley, on Friday, May 22.

She has also arranged a bucket collection in the car park at the back of the Towngate Theatre, Basildon, on Saturday, May 23, to help raise cash towards her fundraising target.

Esther previously raised hundreds of pounds for Crossroads Care by walking across hot coals.

She needs to raise £1,000 by Friday, August 7, so that she can complete the Wing Walk at Damyns Hall Aerodrome, in Upminster, the following month. Around £435 of the cash will pay for the activity, with the remaining going to charity. To make a donation, text CBBD05 and £5, £10 or £15 to 70070.