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On a Wing and a Scare
Nothing focuses the mind quite like hanging upside down on a biplane, whizzing through the air at 140mph. And we suspect nothing gets you checking and re-checking your fasteners more, before taking off, than attempting a wing walk for charity.
But that’s exactly what member, Ian Tighe-Ford achieved back in September, to raise money for Cancer Research and the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
As a youngster of 70, Ian raised over £2,000 for his local MS society by doing a tandem skydive from 12,000 ft. As if this wasn’t quite terrifying enough, Ian then thought “how can we up the ante?” So, raised another £2,500 with his first wing walk. Absolutely determined to raise even more, Ian once again took to the skies, but of course, upped the ante again and performed a loop-the-loop and barrel roll.
See Ian’s remarkable achievement for yourself
Now, we would be in awe of anyone attempting this fearless act of bravery, especially for such worthwhile causes, but given Ian is now 77 years old and coping with progressive multiple sclerosis, we just had to share our admiration for Ian’s tenacity.
Never one to stand on ceremony, before attempting this heroic feat, Ian told us “it should be interesting”, which will probably go down in history as one of our most understated quotes ever!
Now, having successfully completed his wing walk, barrel roll and loop-the-loop, Ian is finally hanging up his wings, much to the delight and relief of his equally fearless wife.
Congratulations Ian. We’re all extremely proud of you and thanks for sharing such a momentous feat of tenacity and endurance.
Feel inspired?
If you’d like to help Ian’s fundraising take off and raise even more funds for these great causes, you can visit his just giving page.
And if you’ve been inspired to raise funds for either the MS Society or Cancer Research, you can learn more about the valuable work they do and how to get involved at:
