VIDEO: Ilkley ‘Daredevil Grandma’ takes to the skies twice for charity
Valerie Appleton completed an aerobatic wing-walk at the weekend to raise money for the Operatic House, home of Ilkley Musical Theatre Company
But the 82-year-old Ilkley grandmother took her latest charity challenge to extraordinary new heights — due to videoing issues the first time, ended up completing two aerobatic wing-walks in a single day.
Valerie, affectionately known as the “Daredevil Grandma,” took to the skies at Leeds East Airport to raise money for the Operatic House, the home of the Ilkley Musical Theatre Company. Valerie was supported on the ground by more than 24 members and supporters of the company, who travelled to the airfield to cheer her on.
The first flight was an exhilarating experience, involving high-speed manoeuvres, climbs, loops and rolls. Valerie said: “It is amazing. It is very fast, noisy and climbing high to allow the loops and rolls.”
But Valerie's adventure didn't end with her first flight.
Following the wing-walk, Valerie discovered that the video recording of her flight had unfortunately jammed before take-off. After discussing the problem with her pilot, Martyn, she was offered the opportunity to fly again — and promptly accepted!
So, at the age of 82, Valerie strapped herself in and completed a second aerobatic wing-walk on the same day.
The challenge has already attracted considerable media interest. BBC Look North attended Leeds East Airport to film and interview Valerie, with coverage over the weekend and a longer feature on Monday. Valerie also took part in a live radio telephone interview with BBC Radio Sheffield at 7.15am on Saturday, with a follow-up planned for the following Saturday.
The latest feat is part of Valerie’s continuing determination to raise money for local good causes, and Valerie is already looking ahead to her next adventure.
Her pilot, Martyn, has told her that he will be working on even more manoeuvres for her next challenge.
“I’m now working on the next challenge,” Valerie said.
Donations can be made via the GoFundMe website at www.gofundme.com/f/flight-out-of-egypt
