MOST people would want nothing more than a slice of cake to celebrate their 70th birthday.

But great-grandma Jean Giles is not most people.

After telling her family three years ago she wanted to wing walk to mark the special day, they clubbed together to make the thrill-seeker’s wish come true.

Jean, who lives in Tiptree, is now looking forward to taking to the skies later this month.

She said: “I didn’t get on a plane until I was 50 and I thought I’d be nervous but I wasn’t.

“Then 16 years ago I went paragliding in Greece and three years ago I went in a helicopter.

“It was just like sitting in the air even though we were going at 90mph.

“I was walking off and I turned back and asked if they did wing walking. I said if I ever reach 70 I’m going to do it.”

Active Jean admits she does not like to sit still and still enjoys working at the Original Factory Shop every week to keep active.

She said she was delighted when her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren decided to buy her the daredevil experience for her 70th.

Jean quickly decided to turn the event into a fundraiser and has already reached her fundraising target of £500 for the Make a Wish Foundation.

She will be turning 70 on September 30 and wing walking the previous day at Damyns Hall Airfield in Upminster, weather permitting.

She said: “I’m not nervous. All I want to do is look at the clouds but I might feel differently on the day.

“I’m quite agile, which is good because I have to climb onto the plane.

“I have more energy than most youngsters so it won’t be a problem.

“It’s 12 minutes in total and I will have to wear goggles and overalls as it will be quite cold up there.

“Quite a few people are coming down to cheer me on and I am having it recorded too.”

Jean doesn’t expect or want any other presents for her birthday - except maybe one thing.

She added: “I might get a bottle of scotch. I have told my family to just make sure I have a scotch on the rocks for when I get off the plane. I might need it.”

To sponsor Jean, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jean-giles-wing-walk.