Brave great-gran’s birthday skydive

Cliffette Coen

BIRTHDAYS usually mean cake, presents and spending time with family . . . not jumping out of a plane at 11,000ft.

But for Failsworth great-grandmother Cliffette Coen, a daredevil skydive was top of the wish list to mark her milestone 70th.

Now, with family support, Cliffette is preparing for her parachute jump later this year and hopes it will raise money for a local charity close to her heart.

Cliffette, a full-time carer with Shared Lives, said: “A skydive is something I’ve always wanted to do, it’s been on my bucket list for a while.

“When I was deciding what to do for my 70th in February, I realised I didn’t want a party or presents.

“I wanted to do something for charity and so my family have been helping me to raise money ever since.”

Cliffette, who was a finalist at 2006’s Pride in Oldham awards for her dedication to her work as an adult carer, is a regular fund-raiser and has taken part in events, alongside other members of her family, to raise money for a variety of causes.

Her latest charity challenge is all in aid of Oldham PHAB Club, a social club for adults with physical and learning disabilities.

She said: “Oldham PHAB Club is fantastic. I know a lot of people who go there and the work they do is great so I thought they deserve some help with fund-raising.”

Cliffette, who will undertake her skydive in Lancaster on June 14, added that she is looking forward to the event.

She said: “I’m not nervous about it at the moment, I’m really excited about doing it. Although how I’ll feel on the day, I’m not sure!”

June is shaping up to be a very exciting month for Cliffette as she is expecting to welcome two new great-grandchildren to her family, adding to six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.