Marilyn den Hollander and her husband, Arie, are volunteer medics with British Divers Marine Life Rescue, the team which looked after the sealpup born on one of the village beaches last year.

The charity tries to make sure that marine mammals have appropriate veterinary care if they get into difficulties on the coast and have the best possible chance to return to the sea safely.

Mr den Hollander was among the volunteers called to Hope Cove last September following reports that a seal had given birth on the beach at Inner Hope.

The rare birth prompted widespread interest from the public and volunteers watched over the pair for more than weeks, making sure that they were left undisturbed and could develop a natural bond.

Now the 55-year-old teacher at Woodlands special school in Plymouth is about to embark on the challenge of a lifetime and hopes the Hope Cove community will help raise money so that other mammals may receive the same care.

Mrs den Hollander said: "Everyone was intrigued and concerned about the little pup and her mother. The people of Hope Cove were tremendously supportive and checked their progress regularly."

"We are trying to raise funds to buy a 7m Rigid Inflatable Boat for marine mammal rescue use in the South West. This will make it possible to reach stranding sites not accessible on foot."

Anyone wishing to make a contribution should contact Mrs den Hollander on 01752 219295. A cheque for £100 has already been pledged to the BDMLR from the members of the community, for which she is very grateful.

She is convinced she can overcome any last-minute nerves before she fulfills her parachute jump on May 29. "I’m getting a bit nervous now, but it’s such a fantastic cause that I think I can just close my eyes and let gravity do its job," she said.