JUMPING from a plane and helping people bag up their shopping are not two activities usually found on the same to-do list.

But a Worcester woman has been able to tick both off as part of her attempts to complete 40 challenges to raise both awareness and money for Rethink Mental Illness.

Jo Hobbs, of Hillery Road, who is an occupational therapist specialising in mental health at Newtown Hospital, has dyed her hair bright red and sky-dived as part of her 40 challenges which she must complete before she reaches the age of 40 in November.

So far she has already raised about £1,000 for the charity which is also in its 40th year.

“The skydive was amazing,” she said. “I felt like I could achieve absolutely anything after that.”

As part of the challenge Miss Hobbs is taking on both ordinary and extraordinary activities.

One of the less daring acts took place last Saturday when Miss Hobbs and other volunteers helped to raise £268.80 by bag packing in Tesco St Peter’s.

While doing the challenge Miss Hobbs was also able to complete number 11 on her list – donating a hamper gift to someone.

She said: “Meeting random streams of people and engaging them in conversation is a great way to spend a few hours on a Saturday.

“I am sure we raised much more awareness for Rethink Mental Illness that day. I hope we gave people food for thought, the knowledge that support is out there and that work is being done all the time to tackle the stigma and encourage openness.”

Before she reaches her milestone birthday Miss Hobbs still has to climb Ben Nevis, go white water rafting, eat snails and appear on television. Her progress can be followed on Facebook page Hobbs40 or by visiting hobbs40.blogspot.co.uk.

Log on to justgiving.c om/Hobbs40 or text HOBB51 to 70070.