‘Daredevil Grandma’ gets ready to takes to the skies again this weekend

Ilkley's MP Robbie Moore has wished Val all the best for her next challenge on Saturday [Photo: Mr Moore]

Ilkley’s very own ‘Daredevil Grandma’, Valerie Appleton, is preparing to take to the skies once again this weekend — at the age of 82.

Valerie will be undertaking another daring aerobatic wing walk, including loops and barrel rolls, taking off from East Leeds Airfield on Saturday, all in aid of preserving the historic home of Ilkley Musical Theatre Society (IMTS), Operatic House on Leeds Road.

No stranger to high-adrenaline challenges, Valerie first took to the skies in 2022 when she completed a wing walk to raise money for LS29 Special Needs Support Group.

The following year, she celebrated turning 80 in spectacular style by abseiling from the East Stand at Elland Road in aid of Yorkshire Cat Rescue.

Now, Valerie is once again pushing herself to the limit to support a cause close to her heart — helping secure the future of Operatic House, the long-standing home of IMTS.

‘Daredevil Grandma’ gets ready to takes to the skies again this weekend [Photo: Valerie Appleton]

Robbie Moore MP has also sent his support, saying: “Please do join me in wishing Valerie all the best for Saturday! She is an incredible, remarkable woman, who is definitely going above and beyond!”

Valerie will be supported on the day by cast and crew from IMTS’s upcoming production of The Prince of Egypt, which will be performed at the King’s Hall in Ilkley from 4–7 November.

The daring fundraiser aims to help IMTS preserve and maintain Operatic House, ensuring the historic building can continue to serve as a home for the society and the local community for years to come.

Anyone wishing to support Valerie and help raise funds for Operatic House can donate via the GoFundMe campaign: www.gofundme.com/f/flight-out-of-egypt