Flying high for East Anglian Air Ambulance

Carol

Part of the reason I wanted to take part in the wing walk is an age thing; I’m 71 and have the outlook that if life offers you something, take it up. I was slightly apprehensive ahead of the day – but not frightened or scared. If anything, I was more excited and had that “bring it on” feeling! I actually asked if I could go first, so I could then relax and enjoy cheering on the rest of the group.

In the air, it was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. I had to try to remember to keep my mouth closed because the wind contorts your face and makes you dribble! It was a beautiful, sunny day and I could see the countryside stretching off way into the distance – a view you wouldn’t get under any other circumstances. I looked down and could see the rest of the group below me at Duxford, waving.

It was such a soft landing. When I told the pilot, he joked, “Was it? I had my eyes closed!”

I really was on cloud nine afterwards, because I was so pleased I had done it – and even happier that I’ve raised over £1,200 – around £1,500 with Gift Aid – for East Anglian Air Ambulance, and it gives me a huge amount of pride. I told my Pilates and walking group all about it. Many of them had sponsored me, so I told them that they had raised that amount. One lady even made some additional donations to my fundraising after selling jars of honey. It just reconfirms how much good is out there when people do things like that without a second thought.

If others are thinking of doing a wing walk in aid of East Anglian Air Ambulance, I would say you will feel so proud of yourself when you’re up on that wing, and you feel so alive when you’re in the air.

I’m proud to be a volunteer with East Anglian Air Ambulance, and it’s reconfirmed my connection to the charity – I truly feel part of the family. What made it even more special is that I used to visit Duxford with my Dad. He was an aviation enthusiast, and I hadn’t been for several years after he passed away. It was such a meaningful place to be, and I hope he was there watching as I was in the sky.

Sarni

I’m currently working with East Anglian Air Ambulance’s Community Fundraising team for six months over the summer. I wanted to do something to raise money for the charity while I am working here because a crew from the charity attended to the husband of a very close friend of mine back in 2024. He unfortunately passed away, but East Anglian Air Ambulance gave her and their children the chance to say goodbye, which was truly priceless.

So, when the opportunity to complete a wing walk arose, I grabbed it.

Before the day, I was very calm, surprisingly! It didn’t really hit me until I drove into the car park at Duxford on Saturday morning, at which point my legs turned to jelly! When I was in the air though, it was both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time, like an out-of-body experience. It all happened so quickly that now it almost feels like it never happened. Even when I watch the video back, it still feels surreal. I was strapped on top of a plane about 1,000ft in the air! But it was an experience I will never forget, and I’m so glad I did it.

When I landed, I felt very emotional and incredibly proud of myself because I also raised £2,220. That fundraising means the world, and I am incredibly thankful to all my family and friends who donated such an amazing amount for the charity, because there are so many vital things this money can go towards.

I’m scared of so many things; I’m terrified of Ferris wheels, spiral staircases, you name it, but this felt completely different. I always felt safe with the fantastic ‘Ethel Dares’ team. They talked through everything and explained exactly what to do if I felt unsure. The five-point harness is so secure that I was even waving my hands in the air for much of the flight!

If you’re tempted, I’d definitely encourage you to sign up for a wing walk to support East Anglian Air Ambulance. One tip though – don’t wear shorts! The camera at the front of the plane films your legs ‘flapping’ in the wind – it was very funny! They definitely don’t list that as one of the risks!

Lauren

I had always wanted to do a wing walk, so when I had the opportunity to take part for a charity I truly care about, and one that I am very lucky to work for, it was a no-brainer! It also made the whole experience – from signing up, to raising funds, to flying high on the wing on the day – a very personal and fulfilling experience.

I honestly don’t think I’d processed what I was going to be doing the following day. It really hit home when we turned up and spotted the Ethel Dares plane sat waiting for us!

It was fantastic, exhilarating, crazy! I felt free as a bird soaring through the air. I just wanted to soak it all up and take in the incredible view, spot the planes flying near us, watch my family and friends on the ground, and feel the wind rushing past! It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime feeling, one that is so hard to describe. I didn’t want to land!

I was itching to go back up with the biggest and cheesiest grin across my face. So far, I have raised £725, with hopefully a little more to come. I feel incredibly proud. My friends and family have been fantastic in supporting me and raising the money. To know what this money will help fund, and to have the privilege of seeing first-hand the incredible work that East Anglian Air Ambulance does, really is special.

This is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience – please don’t miss out, sign up! The Ethel Dares team are fantastic; you’re really well looked after and in the safe hands of professionals. Plus, the team at East Anglian Air Ambulance will be behind you every step of the way to support you.

You will not regret it, I promise!

The 2027 wing walking event is already in the calendar! If you’ve been inspired by Sarni, Lauren and Carol – book your place for Saturday 26 June!

Book your wing walk