WHEN intrepid supporters Chris and Tyler offered to jump on a plane to raise money for a Wokingham charity, Promise Inclusions, the organisation was delighted.
The user-led group works to enrich the lives of adults and children in the borough with learning disabilities and/or autism, and provides support for their familes and carers.
Social opportunities help children to feel included and empowered, with activities for them and their siblings to have fun together.
Adults are enabled to learn new skills, become more independent, and build self-esteem,, while carers benefit from a community of staff and volunteers who offer support, advice, empathy and respite.
Chris Hunt and Tyler Bennett were so impressed with the charity that they decided to undertake a wing walk to raise money for them.
Strapped to the top wing of a Boeing Stearman biplane, they enjoyed a series of flypasts, zoom climbs, steep dives, and banks.
“Promise Inclusion does great things for the people it cares about,” said Mr Hunt, CIO of Therapycise.
“I’m a former Royal Marines Commando and now a Mental Performance Psychologist, so doing something like this gets me very very excited.”
Mr Hunt has a video tool for improving people’s mental state, which those who donate to the fundraising effort can access, as a thank you for their support.
Mr Bennett, who plays for local Silver Birch football team, and is a Home Insulation Expert for Household Investments, said: “Promise Inclusion does amazing work that makes a real difference to people with learning disabilities, and their carers.
“Our family has experienced this first hand.
“I know the difficulties people with learning disabilities face and how important it is for young adults to have the same opportunities and experience as everyone else. ”
Money raised from the challenge will support Promise Inclusion’s work with adults.
Victoria Sheridan of Promise Inclusion said: “I went to watch the wingwalk, and loved taking pictures on the day.
“It’s really great that Chris and Tyler took a day off work, and gave their time to raise much needed funds and awareness for us.
“Our groups are so valuable.
“When someone comes along for the first time, they may often be feeling very shy.
“At first they will probably sit at the side with a parent, just watching.
“Then one of our co-ordinators gently supports them to engage and to feel more confident, and over time they start to join in..
“It’s so rewarding to watch people gradually come out of their shells and to start having fun with other members of the group.”
Activities can be very entertaining.
“We have hilarious fun together,” Ms Sheridan added.
“Recently a group played bongo drums, and everyone had a great time, the volunteers, staff and the participants.
“And another time we had local Morris dancers come in, which was wonderful.
“They shared their hats and sticks, and danced with the group, which everyone loved.”
To support the charity’s work, people can visit Chris and Tyler’s local giving pages: www.localgiving.org/charity/promise-inclusion/project/chriswingwalk and www.localgiving.org/charity/promise-inclusion/project/tylerwingwalk
For information about the charity, search for: www.promiseinclusion.org or visit their Facebook page.
And for further information, log onto: www.therapycise.co.uk and www.householdinvest.co.uk
