Walking in the air
On September 14 John Worner from Bower Hinton, Martock, celebrated his 80th birthday by taking part in a Wing Walk for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).
A Wing Walk involves being strapped in a seat on the wings of a flying vintage aeroplane. It’s not for the fainthearted as the plane can reach speeds of between 80-100mph. John said he had been keen to take part in the experience for a while, although the first attempt had to be cancelled due to problems with the plane, luckily on the second attempt the weather conditions were perfect for the flight. He said: “I would do it again if I had the chance – it was fantastic. I’m now thinking of doing a parachute jump for my 90th birthday!”
Thirty of John’s friends, neighbours and family joined him on the day for support, including his wife Doreen. He was hoping to raise a couple of hundred pounds, but he ended up raising £1,900.
Emma Parker, Community Fundraiser at CHSW said: “We’d like to thank John for taking on such a brave challenge in support of CHSW. The money he has raised will go towards the wide range of care we offer to children with life-limiting conditions and their families, including respite and short breaks, emergency care, palliative care and end of life care.”