A news editor is taking the ultimate adrenaline rush to raise money for a children’s charity.

Helen Backway, from the south-east London and north Kent weekly News Shopper series, will leap out of plane next month from 10,000ft.

Helen’s first foray in the world of tandem skydiving is part of a local campaign to raise £6.5m by children’s hospice Demelza House.

Since it was launched in March, £3m has been raised towards building a new hospice in Eltham, near Greenwich, with the Newsquest title lending its backing to the campaign in the autumn.

Helen, (28), said: “I don’t know why I chose this – it seemed like a good idea at the time and something that I have wanted to do.

“I decided to do it about six months ago but now it’s coming round really quickly.

“I have changed my mind quite a few times – my worst fear is that it will be postponed because of the weather.

“I have got about £200 so far and I really want to raise £1,000.”

Helen said she was far from an adrenaline junkie, describing herself as “normally a complete wuss” who is afraid of roller coasters.

Between now and her date with gravity she will be avoiding disaster movies and continuing to publish stories highlighting the good work of the hospice.

Helen will do her skydive on February 2 at Headcorn Aerodrome, near Maidstone. To sponsor her visit www.justgiving.com/helenbackway.