'If you can, you should': 94-year-old daredevil to take on wing walk over Shropshire

A 94-year-old grandad is preparing for the ride of his life - taking on a wing-walk on a biplane doing 120mph.

Retired army Major Donald Harrison will be strapped in for the flight on September 28 at Sleap Airfield near Wem, and hopes it will raise money for the retirement home in Preston, where he lives.

Although he’s never done a wing walk before, he has done nine parachute jumps while in the Army, has taken part in rally driving, cross country skiing, numerous sports, and even rode a 100mph zip-line aged 88.

This is all on top of 20 years of active service for Queen and country across the world, including being shot at in Egypt, carrying out earthquake relief in Cyprus, and being amongst the first on the scene at the 1966 Aberfan Disaster - something he said “had a major impact on everyone there”.

Born and brought up in the Lancaster area, he’s lived in 23 different homes and has even served a two-year secondment to the Canadian Army.

“I think I’m trying to re-enact some of the excitement from my Army days”, said Mr Harrison, who has been practicing getting up and down a 10ft ladder - the only requirement for his escapade.

He said he was inspired by seeing a recent BBC report on Betty Bromage, who at 97-years-old, holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest female wing walker.

Speaking to the Lancashire Post, Mr Harrison said: “I mentioned it to Matthew (his son), and the next thing I knew, I was booked on!

“The way I see it, is that you only have one life, and you have to live it. There’s some people who can’t, but those who can, should. Age is just a number, really.”

Mr Harrison said news of his challenge has caused a buzz of excitement in Bushell House in Goosnargh - where he has lived for three years since the death of his wife Angela, and has split opinions in his family.

“It elicits different reactions”, he said. “My eldest sister told me I was stupid, but my youngest sister said ‘I’ll come and join you!’

“I’m a pretty determined person - and my family know that - so there’s no talking me out of it anyway. I hope that some of this rubs off on my grandchildren and other people who might be inspired to give something different a try.”

Mr Harrison will be accompanied down to Shropshire by members of his family and staff members from Bushell House. He hopes any money raised will go towards events and activities for residents.

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