Yesterday eight brave adventurers took to the skies, soaring over the Cotswolds countryside to not only make memories but more importantly to raise money for the Greenfingers charity.
Taking on the challenge of the Greenfingers wingwalk were Phillippa Stubbs from British Garden Centres, AMES’ Lukasz Kulisa, Katy Thompson, Luke Misseldine, Sam Jarvis and Poppy Jarvis from STV International, SBM’s Lowri Walker and Hornby Whitefoot PR’s Kimberley Hornby, who together had raised over £10,000, with even more sponsorship expected to roll in over the coming days.
Climbing aboard the wings of the WWII 1940’s Boeing Stearman biplane, these intrepid voyagers swooped, turned and flew across the skies of the beautiful Cotswold countryside, with each being encouraged on by the sounds of friends and family who had come to cheerlead.
Back for her second airborne adventure was Lowri Walker from SBM who bravely returned to not only complete the wingwalk experience once again but to also go one step further by completing the loop the loop experience! Facing speeds of up to 180mph and reaching heights of almost 3,000ft, Lowri was set to draw the day to a close with her amazing aerobatic skills, however joining in the fun was Sam Jarvis who buzzing from his first wing walk also tackled the loop the loop for an amazing double showcase of bravery!
Further boosting morale on the day was a special cheque presentation from British Garden Centres, who handed over a fantastic £22,000 to the Greenfingers charity. This money was raised during a year of fundraising throughout its 62 stores which included activities to support Garden Re-Leaf Day, plus raffles, bake sales, sponsored walks and cycles rides, and marathons.
To support the wingwalkers are the expert pilots for AeroSuperBatics which are helping fulfil this worthy cause. On arrival at RFC Rendcomb Airfield, all participants had a safety briefing before stepping into a fly suit and taking aboard the top of the historic biplane. The roar of the planes 450hp Pratt & Whitney engine, which happens to be the largest and most powerful engine operated in the UK for wingwalking, started with the propeller hitting speeds of up to 760mph. The plane dipped, zoomed, dived and turned challenging these courageous souls.
Talking on the day, Poppy Jarvis said: “Greenfingers Charity is such an amazing and deserving charity. The work they do for hospices is just incredible and so worthy, which is why I feel honoured to have been involved in raising money to help towards the amazing spaces they create. What’s more, what an incredible way to raise money by “walking the wing”. The day was a memory I will hold forever! Greenfingers, and all the other fundraisers and spectators there were so involved and supportive to all doing this adrenaline fuelled activity. It felt like a family! Thank you Greenfingers for giving me the opportunity to help make life a little better for children and their families in hospices.”
Sam Jarvis added: “I thought the wingwalk was a great opportunity to do something for a really great cause that’s going to help make a big difference to lots of people’s lives. It was a small thing I could do that meant Greenfingers could make a big difference to many people, plus it was a day that I will never forget!”
Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers, said: “Every time our supporters go out there to raise funds for Greenfingers I think they couldn’t out do themselves but time and time again they do. I am endlessly in awe of everyone who takes the time to shout about Greenfingers, so taking to the skies to do so is just superb! Thank you to everyone that participated, to those that donated and to those that helped make the day itself such an unforgettable experience. I truly couldn’t ask for a better team to support this charity”
There is still time to show your support for the 2023 Greenfingers Wingwalkers. Simply visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/wingwalk23
