A MUM who beat breast cancer is set to defy her fear of heights and take on a charity skydive for a charity.

Kim Burton, 53, of The Crescent in Blackburn, is aiming to complete the 11,000ft tandem free fall parachute jump for St Catherine’s Hospice.

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Mrs Burton, who is also uncomfortable with flying, was diagnosed with breast cancer just before Christmas in 2013 and having had a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy is now in remission.

And she said the skydive, which takes place in Cockermouth on September 10, is her way of giving something back.”

Mrs Burton, who is a teaching assistant in Accrington, said: “At the end of 2013 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After under going a lumpectomy and the cancer still being deeper than first thought I then had to under go a mastectomy.

“After chemotherapy and radiotherapy In January 2014 to the end of July 2014 and now on continuous medication for life, I am in remission and doing well.

“My outlook on life is so very different, the negatives I let go of and just love life now.

“My daughter Rhea is getting married on September 2. This is something I never thought I would see.

“I owe my life to the NHS, especially the radiologist who spotted my cancer initially after a routine mammogram at the age of 50. Other than feeling so tired I had no symptoms or lumps.

“Now I want to give something back. I am scared of heights and I get nervous just sitting on a plane but this is something I have always wanted to do.

“To be able to do it and raise money for a fantastic charity is a perfect scenario for me.

“I hope this will inspire other women going through breast cancer as well.

“After my first round of chemotherapy I thought I couldn’t go through that again. But I did because you have to fight.

“That is the only way you can beat cancer. My family and friends have said I am a mad woman for doing it. But they have been really supportive as well, especially my husband Peter.

“He is a window cleaner and has been taking the sponsorship form in to all the businesses in Blackburn town centre.”

Mrs Burton said she received support from the Macmillan nurses whilst battling cancer and has raised hundreds of pounds.

She’s hoping to raise £500.

To sponsor her visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Kim-Burton5.