Wing walkers raise more than £30k for Shropshire children's hospice

A group of daring wing walkers have raised more than £33,500 by taking to the skies for Hope House Children’s Hospices.

Organised by Powys couple Anthony and Vanessa Watts, the wing walkers hopped atop a 1940s Boeing Stearman aeroplane at RFC Rendcomb in Cirencester, whizzing through the sky at 140mph.

Wing walkers included frontman of the Jive Aces, Ian Clarkson, who reached the semi-final of Britain’s Got Talent; one of the charity’s fundraisers, Harriet Richards, whose niece, Amelia, has received care and respite at Hope House; and one of the charity’s trustees David Sharp.

Anthony, who lives near Knighton and has been organising the wing walk for the last five years, said: “It was an incredible day of bravery and fantastic fundraising.

“It’s a whole journey for people as they battle their nerves but continue to do brilliant things in their community to fundraise for the hospices and to see them complete the challenge is just amazing.

“A huge thank you to all the wing walkers and to everyone who has donated to support them in raising such a wonderful amount this year.”

Anthony and Vanessa’s business Welsh Shepherd Spirits covered the cost of the event meaning all money raised went straight to the charity.

Fundraiser Harriet said: “We’re so grateful to Anthony and Vanessa for helping organise such a fantastic event once again.

“By raising £33,571 the wing walkers will be helping to provide respite stays, physiotherapy and expert nursing care to children at both Hope House and Ty Gobaith.

“We’re so grateful to everybody who took to the skies and sponsored us. Without you we would not be able to fulfil our mission of giving every local child with a life-threatening condition and their family, access to professional care and improves their quality of life from the point of diagnosis.”