Daredevil 70-year-old Anthony flies high for charity
“I asked if the pilot would frighten me. He did. . .” Those were the words of daredevil granddad Anthony Fenwick-Wilson, who celebrated his 80th birthday by experiencing a terrifying wing walk to raise cash for two charities.
The Claverley businessman, who also races a classic 1930s Railton car in his spare time, took on the stunt in Cirencester to generate funds for Mission Motorsport, a charity supporting servicemen and women hurt in the line of duty, and Dementia UK.
Anthony’s latest daring feat followed a relay triathlon he did for his 70th birthday, and a two-and-a-half mile freefall parachute jump on his 75th.
He said: “The flight was incredible. We went quite high up and flew down vertically. We did some hedge hopping. The pilot was excellent. I told him before we went up that I didn’t want to just go in a straight line, I asked if he could frighten me. He did.
“I was totally relieved at the end. I was a bit wobbly because I’ve got an artificial hip and an artificial knee. It was a better feeling flying down at low level.
“It was a day to remember.”
Surprise
After Anthony was brought back down to earth, he was whisked off to a country house for a surprise celebration with his wife Diana, family and friends.
“My wife told me we’re going to go to a hotel for the night. But when we got to the so-called hotel it was a country house and my family and friends were all there. I knew nothing about any of it. To see my children, grandchildren and friends, it was a lovely surprise.”
It also happened to be Anthony and Diana’s fifth wedding anniversary, but despite his compulsion for extravagant stunts, she takes a laid back approach.
“She just shrugs her shoulders,” said Anthony.
So far almost £4,000 has been raised. Anthony will be keeping the page open for donations until the end of the month.
To support Anthony, you can donate at wonderful.org/fundraiser/wingwalkingforourservicemen-10f072b5 or wonderful.org/fundraiser/wingwalkfordementia-c962422f
