Brave fundraisers have touched the sky, by taking part in the Isle of Wight’s first ever wing walk and by skydiving, to raise vital cash for Mountbatten Isle of Wight.
Over £80,000 was raised for the charity it hosted a ground-breaking experience day at Sandown Airport, in August.
The wing walking challenge saw around 60 people strapped to the top of a bright red biplane, over two weeks last month.
A chance to try the Island’s brand new experience
Mountbatten Isle of Wight teamed up with specialist company, Ethel Dares Wing Walking to give those-who-dared fundraisers the chance to try the Island’s brand new experience.
It proved such a success that we are hoping to repeat it in 2025.
Some of Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s nursing team were among those to take to the skies.
Whiller: It’s the best thing I’ve ever done
Consultant nurse, Jackie Whiller, said,
“It was absolutely amazing — the best thing I’ve ever done.
“Mountbatten’s really important to me and I will do anything I can to keep us going and to raise as much money as possible.”
Thomas: Better than a skydive
Community nurse, Rhoda Thomas, who has been taking part in a series of adventures and challenges, said,
“It was better than a skydive.”
Many wing walkers were taking on the challenge in memory of a loved one.
Among them was Kim, who called it,
“An experience I will never forget!”
Antonia said,
“It was the best experience I’ve ever encountered. Flying like a bird — amazing!”
£82,000 has already been raised, with more donations coming in.
Hornblow: It will help continue to fund our 24/7 expert care
Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s Charlotte Hornblow said,
“Our first ever charity wing walk for Mountbatten has been a journey indeed!
“From launching the event to multiple postponements and the good old British weather, we were finally able to support each brave participant with their flight.
“It has been a pleasure to meet our wing walkers and make their experience come true. We cannot say thank you enough to those who have raised so much vital cash.
“It will help continue to fund our 24/7 expert care, delivered in Islanders’ homes and in our hospice, including bereavement support, rehabilitation and helping people come to terms with death and dying.”
Meanwhile, a separate group of brave Islanders took part in a skydiving challenge, also at Sandown Airport.
They have raised thousands of pounds, with money still coming in and a final total yet to be reached.
Hartley: Your donations are more vital than ever
Mountbatten CEO, Nigel Hartley, said,
“Thank you to all those who bravely took to the skies over Sandown. What an amazing experience!
“Your fundraising is crucial to the work of Mountbatten Isle of Wight.
“Two-thirds of our organisation’s funding comes from our community and our costs are rising.
“One third of our funding comes from the NHS and this is under threat.
“It is becoming increasingly hard to deliver our 24/7 expert care in Islanders’ homes and in our Newport-based hospice.
“What we get does not spread as far as it used to, which means your donations are more vital than ever.
“We hope all you skydivers and wing walkers had a great time — all the while helping Mountbatten Isle of Wight to be there for patients and families, in their hour of need.”
News shared by Lucy on behalf of Mountbatten. Ed
