A mother who has lived with leukaemia for 12 years is to overcome her fear of heights by bouncing into the sky.

Pauline Pink will be one of the first people in Britain to take part in a parabounce - bouncing into the sky attached to a huge helium-filled balloon.

She is taking on the challenge to raise money for a The Anthony Nolan Trust, which raises money to help leukaemia sufferers.

Mrs Pink, 50, of Rose Green Road, Bognor, will be joined in her challenge by friend Louise O'Shea.

She said: "I've never done anything like this in my life. I don't really like heights but I don't think it's going to be that bad."

For the challenge, a 22ft-diameter balloon is filled with enough helium to counteract a person's weight.

Once secured in a parachute harness, Mrs Pink will push off from the ground allowing the balloon rise to 100ft before it gently descends.

Two lines will tether her to the ground during the bounce, an event which originated in the United States and is taking place in Britain for the first time. It is said to give people a feeling of weightlessness.

Mrs Pink, a deputy manager at a nursing home, read about the parabounce when the charity sent a leaflet about the challenge, which takes place at Herstmonceux Castle, near Hailsham, on Sunday, July 21, to her workplace.

She said: "I read it and just fancied doing it. The charity is very close to my heart."

Mrs Pink has lived with chronic lymphonic leukaemia since she was in her late 30s.

She said: "I went to the doctor because I had pins and needles in my hand and my arm ached so much I cried."

Her doctor ran a series of routine blood tests which threw up the shock result that Mrs Pink was suffering from leukaemia.

She underwent chemotherapy three years ago but maintains a positive attitude and does not dwell on having the condition.

She said: "I was shocked at the time but I think you have to be quite positive because words such as leukaemia or cancer are quite frightening."

Mrs Pink, who works full-time, also volunteers for the Sussex Snowdrop Trust, which was provides additional care and support for families with seriously-ill children.

She hopes to raise about £200 for the Anthony Nolan Trust with the parabounce.

The charity is appealing for more bouncers to join the event. Anyone who is interested should call 01403 713595.