Daredevil pensioner takes to the skies

Three hip-replacement operations did not stop an 85-year-old taking to the skies for a wing walk.

Mrs Barbara Armstrong, of Orston, said it was something she had wanted to do since seeing one on television.

“I tried to do it last year but it was fully booked, so I was happy when I finally got to go up,” she said.

“It was hard work getting on and off the plane because of my hip replacements, but when I was up in the sky I enjoyed every minute.

“It was amazing — one of the best things I have ever done. When you are up there the views are wonderful.

“If anyone is thinking about doing it, I would urge them to.”

Mrs Armstrong said the plane spent ten minutes circling the airfield at Breighton Aerodrome, North Yorkshire, while she was strapped to a wing.

“It was a glorious day. I took winter clothes but did not need any more layers on because it was so warm.”

Mrs Armstrong raised money for the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance, trebling her initial target of £500.

She said: “The air ambulance is a great charity to raise money for.

“You never know when you are going to need it.

“The amount of money I raised is a good effort.

“It was my way of giving something back.”

Having successfully completed the wing walk, Mrs Armstrong could return to do a loop-the-loop, but she is not keen.

The octogenarian has previously been gliding and would like to do that again and go on a hot-air balloon ride.

Anyone who wants to add to Mrs Armstrong’s fundraising total should call her on 01949 850198.