A cancer survivor with a life-long fear of heights from Cricklewood will tackle her phobia to help others by jumping from a plane for charity.

Jo Xie from Handley Grove, will be doing a parachute jump from 10,000 feet to raise funds for Beating Bowel Cancer.

The 52 year-old was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2009 and she was left in a coma for weeks following an operation to remove the tumour.

She then suffered septicemia and then pneumothorax, spending a further three months in isolation.

Ms Xie, who moved to the UK from Taiwan 21 years ago, said a difficult aspect of being ill was that her family was so far away when she needed them most but. But said this has given her empathy for other patients who might feel vulnerable and lonely dealing with the disease.

She said: “I’m so excited about the parachute jump although I am very much anxious about the height. I’m very keen to promote awareness of bowel cancer and to raise funds for Beating Bowel Cancer. I’m also very keen to challenge myself physically as I don’t do as much physical activity as I used to before the cancer. Jumping out of a plane really is the ultimate challenge for me as I’m terrified of heights.”

She added: “My friends say I won’t do it which is a great incentive because once I’ve done it I intend to challenge them by saying if I can do it so can they!”

Beating Bowel Cancer is a charity supporting people with the disease.

Symptoms to look out for are bleeding from the bottom or blood in your poo, a change in bowel habits, severe abdominal pain, a lump in your stomach or unexplained weight loss or tiredness.

David Kelly, director of fundraising at Beating Bowel Cancer, said: “So raising awareness of the disease plays a vital part in improving survival rates. We’re very grateful for Jo’s support and fundraising efforts, which will help us to help more patients.”

To sponsor Ms Xie, who takes the plunge on August 11, visit doitforcharity.com/JOANNAX