Chelsea becomes hospice's first Wing Walker!
Chelsea Fox has been bravely going outside her comfort zone since 2015 to raise £735 in memory of her grandparents, Derek and Margaret Fox. In her latest challenge for Saint Francis Hospice, Chelsea to become the first person to take to the skies on a thrilling Wing Walk adventure.
Growing up, my dad used to take us to the Southend air show every year, now the Clacton air show, and when the wing walkers were there, I was always mesmerised.
When I saw Saint Francis Hospice was asking people to sign up, I thought it was a great opportunity to do something I've always wanted to do, while going outside my comfort zone and raising money for the hospice at the same time.
On the day, I was so nervous as I walked towards the plane. I climbed onto the top, got strapped in and I was ready! The pilot asked me what sort of ride I was after, and I just remember saying to him 'give me the best you've got'. I wanted the full experience. Unfortunately, they were not allowed to put the plane upside down, but it was like a rollercoaster ride going up and down and flying on its side.
It was the best experience ever, that's all I have to say. I wanted to go back up and do it again. I am so proud of what I have achieved. I did a skydive for Saint Francis Hospice in 2015, the Three Peaks challenge in 2021, and now the Wing Walk in 2023. I'm already thinking what I'm going to do next time. Maybe a zip wire or abseiling! All things I thought I would never have the confidence to do.
My grandparents would think I'm totally mad!
I think my grandparents would be very proud of me but then say that I am totally mad! I would 100% recommend it to other people. I was so scared and even considered not doing it but once I was up in the air, I didn’t want it to end.
My grandparents would be proud of what I've achieved!
The care grandparents were given was amazing and I couldn’t be more grateful for what the hospice did to make them comfortable in the last weeks of their lives. I've now raised £735, and it makes me very happy to think that the hospice can continue caring for others at the end of their lives and and their families too.
