Jess’ wing walk in aid of EAAA

Taking off from Leeds Airport, Jess was strapped to the top wing of an aircraft during its flight – all to raise money to save lives in our region. We spoke to Jess before and after her wing walking adventure to learn more about it, her fear of heights and what inspired her to support EAAA.

Before the wing walk

“I’m a paramedic in the East of England, so I know how valuable EAAA are,” Jess explained. “It’s reassuring to have EAAA, and so many people have shared stories with me about how the crew have helped them or somebody they know.”

Jess likes to undertake a fundraising activity for charity every year. She heard about the wing walk and decided that it was such a different and unique experience that she just had to do it in aid of EAAA – despite having a fear of heights.

EAAA provides advanced critical care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to the most seriously ill and injured people in the region by air and road. Being a horse rider, Jess says she is acutely aware of the help EAAA provides to the equestrian community in times of need, but also to others when they are experiencing some of the worst moments of their lives.

“EAAA would come to me in a middle of the field if I needed their care, and I think about it every time I ride. Every time you get in a car, horse, bicycle, EAAA are the people you might want there if something happens,” she said.

The flight is a solo flight lasting 10-15 minutes, and Jess says that she imagines it will be a dream-like feeling and there will be nothing else quite like it.

“I love flying but I’m not good with heights. I did want to do something that was a challenge! I’m hoping that I will be able to see the horizon and it will help take my mind off it,” she explained.

Jess will be flying at a height of between 700ft-1000ft and having to withstand wind pressures of up to 100mph, aiming to raising over £600 in aid of EAAA in the process.

“It means a lot to me. As a paramedic with the ambulance service, I have been at incidents attended by EAAA. I have seen the kit, the helicopter and it’s cool to know that my fundraising will help pay for that and how life-saving it could be.”

Back down to earth

“I can’t really explain the feeling of it; it was like nothing I have ever done before!” Jess said a few days after the wing walk had taken place. It was one of the best things I’ve ever done. it was amazing! The team were so friendly and as they had all done it before, so it made me feel so much more confident.”

Not only did Jess hit the sky, donning an Only The Brave t-shirt no less, but she has hit her fundraising target too, raising £619 to date. Well done and thank you, Jess!