On a slightly damp autumn morning in September our first ever wingwalk event took place at Rendcomb airfield near Cirencester. Brave Emma Furniss who has been a group worker at our Gloucester Juniors for 12 years put her fears aside to climb aboard the wing of a 1940’s bi-plane expertly guided by Superaerobatics. Emma shares her account of her incredible challenge here -

“It was with trepidation that I signed up to do the wing walk experience but I was happy to put myself out of my comfort zone for such a good cause.  Whilst I waited for the day to arrive I tried not to think about it too deeply but every time an aeroplane went over my head it was a reminder! The day before I was due to fly, the flight was cancelled due to weather and so I had another nervous wait until I could finally take off.  Friends and family came to watch and after the safety briefing I was strapped firmly to the plane.  Next minute we were waiting for take off with me towering above the plane.  It was an amazing experience, much more bumpy than I imagined and very windy!  The pilot had said to do the thumbs down sign if I didn’t like it and he would land but I could barely even move my hands due to the force of the wind and speed!  The pilot was amazing, he flew over beautiful fields and woods, scaring me by dipping right down to the ground and then tipping back up again.  I could see friends and family at times, taking photos and waving.  I did try a wave but it was very difficult.  After about 10 minutes the plane landed and I was released.  It was a weird feeling being on the ground again and I was a bit disoriented but a nice cup of tea brought me back to earth. A big thank you to all my supporters, we raised over £1300!!”

We are so grateful to Emma for her support and for raising such a phenomenal amount of money for our charity, this really will make such a difference to the lives young carers in Gloucestershire. If you would like to take on a wingwalk or skydive in 2023 get in touch with Sally our Fundraising Manager today sally@glosyoungcarers.org.uk or call 01452 733030.

https://youtu.be/VsmknjsQCIE