BEING strapped to the top of a plane as it thunders through the sky may not have been the ideal 50th birthday present for a mum-of-two who is afraid of heights.

But Debbie Smith, of School Street, Tyldesley, was prepared to embrace the unusual gift as it was in aid of a fantastic cause that is close to her heart – and she ended up conquering her fears and 'loving every minute' of her adrenalin-pumping wing walk.

After raising more than £2,000 for The Lullaby Trust, which provides specialist support for bereaved families, promotes expert advice on safer baby sleep and raises awareness of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), Debbie said: "It was a 50th birthday present from my family.

"I am afraid of heights but when I saw what it was raising money for I knew I had to go ahead with it as I lost my cousin Sebastian to SIDS more than 30 years ago, something which has always stayed with me.

“I was incredibly nervous on the day, but once I climbed onto the wings of the plane all my fears and worries slipped away – and I can honestly say I loved every minute of it.

“It was the best flight I have ever had and I truly believe Sebastian gave me the strength to fly in the clouds with the angels.

“If the money raised in Sebastian’s memory helps to find a cure for sudden infant death syndrome, or just offer another family support, then all the anxiety I felt will have been worthwhile.”

A vintage biplane performed tricks 500ft in the air as Debbie was strapped to the top of it in Selby, Yorkshire, on September 17.

As well as fundraising for three months – creating a JustGiving page and collecting sponsorship from family, friends and colleagues – Debbie did everything she could to prepare to be hurtled through the sky at breakneck speed.

She said: "I went up and down escalators with my arms outstretched, walked across a high, rickety bridge and even put my face in front of a Dyson hand dryer.

"I did everything I could to prepare for the challenge and it was all worth it."

To add to her fundraising efforts visit justgiving.co.uk/debbieswingwalk.