JOHN Symmonds has done it again.
Record-breaker John, 96, from Warfield, took to the skies last year to raise money for Thames Hospice, whose team had cared for his much-loved wife, Ann.
Wokingham.Today reported on his extraordinary achievement, as he made history as the world’s oldest wing walker, securing a place in the 2024 Guinness World Records and raising more than £7,000 for the hospice.
Now he’s taken on another thrilling challenge, this time in Portsmouth.
On Saturday John showed considerable spirit and dedication as he undertook his latest nail-biting activity and abseiled down Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower.
Asked what motivated him to take such a terrifying plunge, he said: “My beautiful wife, Ann, passed away in February 2021 supported by the wonderful Thames Hospice nurses.
“They not only gave Ann the most compassionate and caring support but also allowed my family to be her husband and her daughters.
“With their guidance and care Ann was surrounded by the love of her family when she passed.
“We cannot thank them enough.”
Emma Andrews, events fundraiser at Thames Hospice said: “We are all so proud and inspired by John’s adventurous endeavours.
“He is a very brave legend and has really thrown himself into his fundraising too, from bucket shaking in local Tesco stores, handing out bespoke letters to neighbours and distributing fundraising page business cards.
“We cannot thank him enough for taking on these incredible challenges to help fund our care and support.”
John was born in 1928, and now lives in Warfield, where he enjoys a very active social life, folk dancing, walking, and completing killer Sudoku puzzles.
A cadet with St John’s Ambulance Brigade during the second world war, he provided first aid cover at cinemas and took calls at Slough Ambulance Headquarters.
After serving in the Army as a medic from 1946 to 1949, in military hospitals in England, Egypt and Cyprus, he then pursued a career in engineering.
A volunteer for the Berkshire Blind Society, now Berkshire Vision, he ran the Slough Branch for seven years, and served as a member of the society’s Management Committee.
He has been a keen member of Datchet Morris and Datchet Folk Dance Club for over 50 years.
“Please do sponsor my endeavour by donating what you can,” he said.
“Your generosity will ensure Thames Hospice is able to support many more families like mine and give them the dignity and compassion they deserve.”
People can support John’s fundraising efforts through his JustGiving page by searching for John Symmonds.
