Forget the run-of-the-mill balloons and cake, Huntingdon community cancer nurse Mel Scholes took her birthday celebrations to a whole new level.

Mel works for the Huntingdon Communitu Cancer Network (HCCN) which is a unique team working with cancer patients to provide pre-chemo assessment, triage and some treatments in their own homes to avoid unnecessary trips into hospital.

And while the team had its own party with colleagues at the Woodlands Centre at Hinchingbrooke Hospital, Mel went the extra mile (or several hundred feet) to mark the milestone.

She agreed to take part in aerobatic daredevil flight over Little Gransden with former aerobatic champion, Mark Jefferies, to raise money for HCCN.

Mark dedicated his time and the experience for free, and Mel smashed her £1,000 target by raising £1,750.

The Hunts Post: Mel Scholes with Mark Jefferies.Mel Scholes with Mark Jefferies. (Image: NWAFT)

Mel said: “It was every bit as hair-raising as I expected it to be!  It was, however, an exhilarating experience and I’m really grateful to Mark for giving up his time. A huge thanks to all who have supported us.”