AN ELDERLY parish councillor will take to the skies next week when she takes part in a death-defying plane wing walk travelling at a daunting top speed of 135mph for charity – despite never having been on a plane before.
Welland resident Mary Purser, 76, (pictured) will jet off while standing on a plane wing at thrilling speeds at Chiltern Park Aerodrome, Reading on Sunday, July 17 in aid of ChildLine – a free 24-hour counselling service for children and young people up to the age of 19 in the UK.
Dedicated Mary, who serves as a parish councillor for Welland and Little Malvern, has already raised more than £450 so far and has set a target of £1,000.
Wing walking is considered to be one of the biggest thrill experiences anybody can do.
Mary, who is also a churchwarden at St James’ Church on Drake Street, had to be given the all clear by her doctors to be allowed to do her wing walk as the experience is mainly aimed at those aged between 18 and 65 due to its extreme physical demands.
Speaking to the Observer, Mary said she never liked the idea of flying but always wanted to do a wing walk before she died.
“I fancied doing a wing walk before I popped my clogs but I thought it was a bit selfish just doing it for myself,” she said.
“People at the church I go to support ChildLine so I thought they would be a worthy cause to raise money for.
“My family think I’m an idiot for doing something like this. I’ve never been on a plane before as I find the idea terribly boring. You sit for two hours only to see clouds, I’d rather go by train as I like to see things.
“I hope and pray it will be nice weather on the day I do the wing walk.”
The ‘popular’ councillor has drummed up lots of support and her adventure has got people talking in the village.
Viv Nelson, chairman of Welland and Little Malvern Parish Council, added: “I’ve known Mary for a few months and she is such a lovely lady. Everyone here wishes her all the best.
“When she told me about what she was doing for charity, I was amazed. It is an incredibly brave thing to do.
“She is a dedicated councillor and always provides the laughs at our parish meetings. I’m sure many will join her and we as a council are working hard to drum up as much support as we can.”
Anybody wishing to donate to Mary’s cause can do so by visiting her JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Mary-Purser.
