Wing Walk Raises Funds for St Elizabeth East Coast Hospice
A woman who wanted to achieve something memorable for her 50th birthday decided to challenge herself with a wing walk on top of a biplane.
Angela King of Lowestoft said: “I have been to many air shows in Lowestoft with my husband over the years and I was excited to watch the wing walkers and thought I would really like to do the same.
“I was approaching a significant birthday and thought it would be good to do something memorable while raising some funds for charity at the same time.
“I chose St Elizabeth East Coast Hospice because of a connection with the Chadd family. The late Margaret Chadd founded the East Coast Hospice charity with the aim to build a local hospice. I worked at Chadds Department Store – so I worked for Margaret Chadd’s family business. Last year East Coast merged with St Elizabeth Hospice to form St Elizabeth East Coast Hospice.
“Since I was made redundant from Beales in March 2020. I have been working as a care worker for Home Support Matters visiting clients in their own homes which I find a rewarding job.
“For our summer break in early August, we spent a week in Gloucestershire near to Rendcomb aerodrome, the place where the AeroSuperBatics professional wing walkers are based
“I did the wing walk there on Friday August 9th in the morning. I had a briefing before the flight. Brian the pilot, Kirstin & Libby the wing walkers talked me through what to expect while they were getting me prepared on the top of the Boeing Stearman biplane.
“It was a lovely sunny morning for the flight as the aircraft increased speed ready for lift off! I was told that the plane can reaches speeds of 760mph, but I don’t think we were going quite so fast
“I enjoyed the flight and the stunning scenery of the area surrounding the airfield. The take-off and landing were very gradual and the flight lasted 10 minutes.
“I waved to my husband down below as he watched me do a series of flypasts, zoom climbs and steep dives. I think he was the nervous one. I was calm all week leading up to the day of the flight. It flew by too quickly!
“I was given a certificate after I had completed what was probably the ride of my life!
“I am considering doing it in again in five years so that I can enjoy the thrill again and maybe do the loop the loop!”
A cheque presentation took place in front of the St Elizabeth East Coast Hospice Charity Shop in Westwood Avenue when the donation of £1,050 was gratefully received by the hospice’s Events and Challenges Fundraiser, Brandon Orton.