Brave trio walk very tall for fundraiser

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care patron Felicity Irwin, hospice supporters Sue Baron, senior lecturer & programme lead for MSc Adult Nursing at Bournemouth University and Gary Rocha, MD Rocha Finance, took to the skies and completed a wing walk in aid of the hospice.

Taking place at Henstridge Airfield, the weather was kind to the wing walkers with the sun coming out, enabling them to enjoy an amazing experience flying over the Dorset and Somerset border.

The wing walk lasted for 10 minutes with participants attached and secured to a seating rig where they perch for the duration of the flight.

Felicity, Sue and Gary recently attended the Lewis-Manning Nightingale Ball at Canford School.

At the event Felicity and Sue were challenged by guests to take on the wing walk. Accepting their challenge on the evening, guests generously donated, enabling the duo to fundraise just over £2,500 for their bravery. Gary successfully bid for the wing-walking opportunity in the charity auction.

Commenting on her wing walk, Felicity said: “Wow, what a wonderful experience, fellow hospice supporters were incredibly generous, for which I’m hugely grateful.

“Thanks too to all the team at the Wing Walking Company who gave all us wing walkers a fantastic welcome, induction and reassurance before the flight.”

Sue added: “I was terrified, I have a real fear than I thought it would be but it took a lot of courage. I had a great pilot, the team were lovely and I had great support from the charity and my family. “And all for a great cause!”

Garry added: “It was an amazing experience, it isn’t scary after all, a wonderful experience for a great charity.”