A FUNDRAISING plunge by a Leigh Sinton family is set to be practically perfect in every way.

Wendy Lewin and her children Joanna and Robert will be taking part in the southwest Birdman competition on Saturday, August 1, which will see fundraisers fling themselves from Ilfracombe pier in home-made flying machines, with the team which flies the furthest before inevitably landing in the drink being crowned the winners.

Mrs Lewin will be taking the air dressed as Mary Poppins – complete with oversized umbrella – Joanna and Robert will cling onto kites as youngsters Jane and Michael Banks.

The family are taking on the challenge to raise cash to help fund 18-year-old Joanna’s trip to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Borneo next year as part of her gap year, as well as Guide Dogs for the Blind and Ilfracombe Roundtable, which has organised the event.

Mrs Lewin said she along with Joanna, who has just completed her A-levels at Worcester Sixth Form College and is planning on studying events management at university from next year, along with 24-year-old Robert, who lives and works in Bristol, would be cheered on by her husband Andy, who has been designated official photographer for the event and would be watching from the relative safety of the ground.

“Joanna is going to Borneo next year for two months so we’re raising money for that,” she said. “It’s volunteering but you have to pay for it so we’re hoping this helps.

“We’re building some little flying contraptions and we’ll see what happens.”

To donate to the Lewins visit justgiving.com/owner-email/pleasesponsor/Joanna-Lewin.

Competitors at the Birdman competition are judged on distance flown and amount raised as well as their outfits and the display they put on as the gracefully – or less so – plunge into the water.

For more information on the event visit www.facebook.com/ilfracombe.roundtable.