Powys man's wing walk dressed as Dad’s Army character, at 89

Chris Jones, from Knighton, was one of a group of daredevils who took to the skies and raised nearly £40,000 for Hope House Children’s Hospices last week.

The daring group included 89-year-old Chris, who raised £4,000 after going up dressed as Lance Corporal Jones from Dad’s Army.

“I managed to keep calm,” joked Chris, as he got down from the 1940s Boeing Stearman which had flown him 600ft into the air, reaching speeds of up to 140mph.

“I really enjoyed it. I think the hardest bit was getting on top the plane – I did need a bit of help.

“But I’m just glad I have been able to help raise money for the children and families.”

The daring group included 89-year-old Chris, who raised £4,000 after going up dressed as Lance Corporal Jones from Dad’s Army. (Image: Hope House)

The event was organised by long-time supporters of the charity, Anthony and Vanessa Watts, who are neighbours of Chris.

Chris became involved in the crazy adventure after attending a concert the couple had organised at Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn in January this year.

“I really loved the concert,” said Chris previously. “But what really hit me was there was a video played from a young girl and her mum who were cared for at Hope House.

“I knew then I wanted to do something to raise money and I turned to the chap next to me and said, ‘I’m going to wing walk’.”

As if signing up for such an adrenaline-fuelled stunt at 89 wasn’t enough drama, the flight was also just the second time in his life that Chris had flown – the last time was more than 50 years ago.

Chris last flew in 1971, from Cardiff to Dublin, when he competed for Wales in clay shooting.

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Those who joined Chris flying in fancy dress at the event, held on July 25 at RFC Rendcomb near Cirencester, included Dave Wheildon, who flew to raise money in memory of his daughter Megs, and Alison Mullis, who flew in memory of her son Arthur.

A number of other supporters joined them, including Hope House Children's Hospices' chief executive Andy Goldsmith.

Dawn Ball, fundraiser at Hope House, said: “What the wing walkers have done to support seriously ill local children and their families is truly brave and amazing.

“We are so grateful to them all for taking on this challenge to raise money, and to Anthony and Vanessa for holding another wing walk this year and helping to raise such an incredible amount.

“Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith support more than 750 local families who are either caring for a terminally ill child or whose child has died.

“It costs £7.5 million every year to run our services and without our incredible community and people like this team of wing walkers we could not be here for those that really need us.”

Hope House Children’s Hospices is holding another wing walk day on September 12 with the AeroSuperBatics Professional Wing Walking Team, at RFC Rendcomb.

There are still limited places left so if you’d like to sign up and do something amazing, visit www.hopehouse.org.uk/wing-walking.