A team of thrill seekers took on a wing-walking challenge on Sunday (9 Oct) to raise thousands for St Richard’s Hospice.
Six dare-devils faced the adrenaline fuelled challenge where they were strapped into a 5-point harness and climbed at speeds of up to 130mph, passing close to cheering friends and family.
Those taking to the skies included Joan Clinch of Broadway; Esther Pettitt of Eckington; Andrea Maisey of Hanley Castle; Michelle Woodward of Worcester; Margaret Henley of Lowerwick, Worcester and Chris Hopcroft of Claines, Worcester.
Linda Jameson of Tibberton, Droitwich, made a wing walk earlier in the year and Wayne Powell is signed up to take on the challenge in 2017.
St Richard’s Hospice teamed up with Aerobatic Tactics for this special event at Leicester Airport, the only company in the UK to hold permission from the Civil Aviation Authority to offer such experiences to the public.
St Richard’s fundraiser Ria Simons said, “They were an incredible group to take on this once-in-a-lifetime challenge, and created memories that will live with them for ever as well as raising funds a fantastic £13,000 towards the care of our patients and their loved ones.”
Anyone else who would like to take part in a wing walk in 2017 is encouraged to contact Ria Simons at to register their interest.
St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care for patients living with life-limiting illnesses and supports their families. Each year the hospice team supports over 2,500 patients and family members in Worcestershire with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect.
Patients are cared for in Day Hospice, the 17-bed In-patient Unit or in their own homes by a specialist professional team as well as many trained volunteers.
In the In-patient Unit, specialist staff are on hand 24 hours a day to manage patients’ symptoms and where, if appropriate, patients may spend the last few days of life in comfort and dignity. St Richard’s is an independent charity and is grateful for all donations to help it to continue its work.