A Warfield resident has made aeronautical history strapped to the top of a biplane, and has raised thousands of pounds for charity.
Daring fundraiser John Symmonds, 95, lost his earplugs, but not his nerve, as he took to the skies standing on the plane’s wing.
With just a harness to keep him in place, he completed his challenge at Rendcomb Airfield in Gloucestershire, and has earned himself a place in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s oldest wing walker.
John took his extraordinary flight to raise money for Thames Hospice, and in memory of his beloved wife Ann, who was cared for by the charity in 2021.
Ann didn’t want to go into hospital, choosing instead to die at home with her family.
“Thames Hospice allowed her to do that,” John explained.
“The palliative team were so good to us.
“They would come out at any time of day or night to make sure she was comfortable, and as far as possible, not in pain.
“The nurses were there with her right at the end when she slipped away.
“In a peculiar way, it was a wonderful moment.”
Supporters have donated nearly £6,000 to John’s high altitude event, which saw him fly at 100 miles an hour above the airfield.
“It was great,” he said, “slightly bumpier than I thought it would be, but quite an experience – and very windy.”
John’s earplugs disappeared almost immediately, blown away during take-off.
But wearing an oversuit and goggles, he was able to fly three times over the heads of his supporters.
“I could see the countryside below, stretched out like a Google map,” he said.
“And I tried to wave to people, but at 100 miles an hour that’s really difficult.”
To gain a place in the Guinness Book of World Records John was required to prove his age.
“I had to show them my passport,” he said.
“They accepted it, and I’m alright for now, but if some older idiot does the same thing after me, I’ll lose the record,” he joked.
John is now known by Thames Hospice, and his friends, as #wingmanjohn.
Stephanie Peters from the charity said: “It was an emotional day for John and the family.
“We are all so very proud of him, he’s such a legend, he really is our Wing Man John.
“What he’s done is so unique.
“It’s an extraordinary thing to do anyway, but at 95 years young, it’s just amazing.
“John’s family are immensely proud of him, too, and were there to cheer him on at the airfield.”
John is taking a well earned break – for now.
“I’ve no immediate plans for another event,” he said, “but I’ve got my foot on the fundraising ladder now.
“It felt great, and I’m so glad I’ve done it.
“But most of all, it means a lot to me to have raised money for Thames Hospice.
“I want them to be able to give others like Ann the dignity and compassion they deserve.”
{{{image.760932}}}
Thames Hospice relies on charitable donations to help fund its palliative care.
Anyone wishing to support the organisation through John’s fundraising event, should visit: www.justgiving.com and search for 1680619177039.
For information about the charity, visit: www.thameshospice.org.uk
