A mum is determined to face up to one of her fears by tackling a 260-foot abseil to raise money for a charity that has helped her son.

Four years ago, former deputy mayor of Medway Jane Etheridge received devastating news that her son William had suffered a catastrophic head injury in a road accident in South Africa. It changed their lives for ever

Mrs Etheridge is now preparing to abseil 262 feet down the ArcelorMittal Orbit, in London’s Olympic Park, on Saturday. She will be raising money for Headway, a charity that supports people with acquired head injuries and their families.

She is being joined by five others from the charity’s Medway branch – Arthur Obenell, Chris Powell, Carole Patching and Jan Luxton.

The 60-year-old said: “I’m feeling so nervous. I’m just doing it because it was four years ago that it happened, and I’m still there. It’s embedded in my mind, when I first saw him and everything, and I think to myself that I know even now that he struggles, so I should at least be able to face one of my fears.

“Certainly, the fear I will feel when looking over the top of sculpture will be nothing compared to the enduring and intense fear I felt when seeing my son on life support and willing him to come out his coma, wondering what life would hold for him if he did wake up.”

William, who is now 31, spent 14 days in a coma after his car hit a bridge. Three months later, he was well enough to fly back to the UK but the family’s troubles were far from over.

His injuries have affected his speech, memory and personality. He struggles to communicate and easily loses his temper.

Mrs Etheridge said: “When I needed some support for my son, there wasn’t anything in Medway. His accident shows that you can go out of the house and 30 seconds later life can change for ever.

“Acquired brain injury can arise from a stroke, a brain tumour, a virus, an act of violence or a simple accident.”

Last year, Mrs Etheridge helped to set up a support group for others who have been affected by head injuries, and there are now weekly support sessions at the Sunlight Centre in Richmond Road, Gillingham.

To sponsor Mrs Etheridge, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/JaneEtheridge or call her on 01634 711003. For more information about Headway, visit www.headwayselnwk.co.uk