Isle of Wight charity Mountbatten takes to the skies with wing walking

Mountbatten Isle of Wight teamed up with Ethel Dare Wing Walking to give those-who-dared fundraisers the chance to try the Island’s newest experience.

The wing walking challenge saw around 60 people strapped to the top of a red biplane, over two weeks in August at Sandown Airport.

£82,000 has already been raised, with more donations coming in.

Over 60 wing walking fundraisers took part in August (Image: Contributed)

Some of Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s nursing team were among those to take to the skies.

Consultant nurse, Jackie Whiller, said: “It was absolutely amazing — the best thing I’ve ever done.

“Mountbatten’s really important to me and I will do anything I can to keep us going and to raise as much money as possible.”

Mountbatten Isle of Wight's Charlotte Hornblow said: “It has been a pleasure to meet our wing walkers and make their experience come true. We cannot say thank you enough to those who have raised so much vital cash.

“It will help continue to fund our 24/7 expert care, delivered in Islanders’ homes and in our hospice, including bereavement support, rehabilitation and helping people come to terms with death and dying.”

Meanwhile, skydivers also took to Sandown Airport, raising thousands of pounds.

Mountbatten CEO, Nigel Hartley, said: “Thank you to all those who bravely took to the skies over Sandown. What an amazing experience!

“Your fundraising is crucial to the work of Mountbatten Isle of Wight.

“We hope all you skydivers and wing walkers had a great time — all the while helping Mountbatten Isle of Wight to be there for patients and families, in their hour of need.”