BRAVE grandma Kath Richardson is terrified of heights and travelling at speed.

But today she will ride a zip wire at breakneck speed, 500 feet above the ground.

Facing her fears is all in a good cause, as Mrs Richardson plans to raise money for charity by taking part in the challenge.

Kath and her husband, David, run a charity helping impoverished families and children in Romania — Good News for Romania — and when Mrs Richardson bought 65-year-old David a ride on a zip wire for Christmas, she decided she might as well have a go herself.

She said: “I knew David would love it but I am petrified, but I decided to have a go and raise money for Good News For Romania.”

The 64-year-old mum of five and grandma of 10 decided the best way to face her fears was head on — or in this case flat on her stomach — as she is strapped into the harness and travels the mile-long wire facing down in the mountains of Snowdonia today.

When taking part in the ride, Mrs Richardson will travel at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour.

She said: “I am petrified of heights and I don’t like going at speed, so goodness knows how I will be.”

The Richardson, who live in Smithills, set up their charity to help struggling families and their children.

They adopted their daughter, Madi, from a Romanian orphanage.

Thanks to their fundraising, children who would otherwise never get a break are able to go on a camping holiday in the mountains of Romania and now Mrs Richardson hopes to raise enough money to help buy a minibus for their trips.

Their contacts in Romania have identified a suitable minibus costing about £6,000 and, so far, Mrs Richardson believes she has raised around £2,000. She hopes people will give generously.

The Richardsons are holding a coffee morning and bring and buy sale on Saturday at 1 Wythburn Avenue in Bolton to help raise money for the charity, from 9.45am until noon. Anyone who would like to make a donation or sponsor Mrs Richardson can call 01204 841906, 07903546008 or email richardsonkath@yahoo.com