A BIG-HEARTED Oldbury auntie is taking to the skies to do a wing-walk challenge to raise cash for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Kelly Tittley, 39, is doing the wing-walking challenge on Saturday at Breighton Aerodrome, Selby, North Yorkshire, after being inspired by her niece Lauren, 10, who has the condition.

Only half of those diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis live to celebrate their 40th birthday as it affects the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system.

Kelly said: “Lauren leads a normal life as far as possible and being the most courageous and headstrong person that she is, embraces every challenge. She was diagnosed with diabetes at the beginning of this year and while we were all upset, she just got on with it.”

Kelly, who is a therapy assistant practitioner for Dudley Rehab Service, fundraises a lot for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and recently hosted a stand at the Pensnett Fun Day on July 12.

She added: “I, and other family members, have been fundraising on and off for about eight years and must be close to having raised nearly £10,000 in that time.

“I wanted to do something that represented the fear and challenges that Lauren has to face regularly throughout her life by doing something that terrifies me and truly challenges me as a person.

She added: “It’s my 40th birthday on August 10, and I would like my friends and family to donate to my fundraising page rather than give me cards and gifts.

“My family think I’m completely nuts, but they support me all the way. My children in particular are fantastic in their support and enthusiasm, and I’m very proud of them.”

Cystic Fibrosis Trust community development and fundraising manager, Gemma Walder says: “Kelly is extremely brave taking on a wing walk and she should be very proud of herself. We are extremely grateful to her for taking on this challenge to raise money for us as well as the continued fundraising by her and her family.

Sponsor Kelly at www.justgiving.com/Kelly-40.