Etta Colville (68), agreed to take part in a shark dive at Deep Sea World in North Queensferry to raise money for charity WRVS (formerly known as the Women's Royal Voluntary Service).

She and WRVS cluster manager Alyson Hutton have managed to raise £1000 so far for their daredevil swim.

Etta said: "When you've seen the things I've seen, 'Jaws' looks more like 'Finding Nemo'. I'd be daft not to be a bit nervous at my age but WRVS has done so much for me, I wanted to give something back.

"I have nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, with two more on the way. Do you think after what I've been through I'll let some wee fish stand between me and seeing the weans grow up? Not on your life."

Etta's story shows she is a true survivor.

For decades, she and her husband Harry worked for the good of others in both the voluntary and public sector.



Children, young people and women at risk of physical and sexual abuse have all benefited from Etta being on hand to hear them and help them, no matter the time of day or night.

However, after her working environment became increasingly violent, culminating in a confrontation involving a firearm, Etta suffered a severe heart attack and was forced to retire in 2004.
She moved back to Fife to be near her grown-up children but her health and mental wellbeing began to deteriorate after being forced to stay inactive.

Before long, she was sliding into depression; never going out or even bothering to get dressed.

At their wits end, Etta's family turned to the WRVS for help and she started to work a few shifts in Forth Park Hospital's tea bar.

Before long she was volunteering every other day, within a year she was project assistant, and now she is a project co-ordinator at the Victoria Hospital cafe.

A spokesman for WRVS said Etta's confidence has flooded back and she is now an inspiration to her co-workers.

When her boss, Alyson Hutton, suggested they find a way to raise money for the charity on its 70th birthday, swimming with sharks was no problem for her.

Alyson and Etta faced angel, tope and nurse sharks, all of which are dangerous if provoked.