A Chepstow woman is on a mission to raise money for charity Help for Heroes, and in the process intends to prove to all that "age is just a number".

In her 65th year, Diana McCrea from Stroat is completing 65 challenges in order to raise money for the cause that lies close to her heart.

As well as having a son serving in the army, Diana had a personal experience of debilitating injury after a car accident in 2002 when she spent almost one year confined to a wheelchair.

The heroine's fundraising efforts began in 2005 when, after three years of surgery, she completed the 5k Race for Life with the support of two walking sticks. A time of three hours in 2005 was smashed this year, as Diana completed the walk in one of her challenges well within her 65 minute target.

All challenges aim to feature the numbers six and five, with current successes including a 650m meter swim in Lydney's outdoor Bathurst pool, 65 press ups, 65 wall squats and even having 65 people round for afternoon tea in which over £650 was raised.

Diana still has around 40 challenges to complete, but isn't taking time to sit back and relax as she is currently working through 65 days without chocolate, 65 reading books, making 65 pots of jam and is busy making arrangements to fly the Help for Heroes flag over five Welsh castles.

Proving that age doesn't hold her back, Diana even completed the 700m zip wire at Tidenham's National Diving and Activity Centre in June.

This military mother was first inspired to raise money for the charity when preparing for her Bristol Race for Life in 2005. She said "I thought at the time, if I'm going to do this race, I want someone like Help for Hereos to benefit".

Excluding her current efforts, Diana has already raised over £10,000 for the cause, even completing a horseback trip in Mongolia in 2011.

Diana's son George joined the Royal Engineers in 2007 and is currently stationed in Paderborn in Germany. He has completed one tour of Iraq in 2008, one of Afghanistan in 2012 and is due to fly back to Afghanistan for a second tour next year.

The next event raising money for the care of serving and ex-servicemen will be held at Tidenham Chase Old School on 28th September. The event is a 'parade of bears' and will include teddy bear hunts, drills and more fun. Life-sized Help for Heroes mascot Hero Bear will be joining the event, which starts at 2.30pm. The charge is £3.50 per child.

Help for Heroes is also appealing for volunteers to help steward and support entrants at this weekend's Tough Mudder endurance event at the Glanusk Estate in Crickhowell (21st-22nd September). The notorious event is donating thousands to Help for Heroes after nominating it as its chosen charity. To volunteer, visit toughmudder.co.uk/volunteers.

In another challenge, Diana is looking for volunteers to join in on 12th October with 65 minutes of aquarobics at Chepstow leisure centre. Volunteers and participants are required.

Diana's fundraising target is, naturally, £6,500. She is currently half way there so if you would like to help her reach her goal and support this vital charity, visit http://www.bmycharity.com/challenge65">www.bmycharity.com/challenge65