Maverick moment for charity CEO

The head of a children’s hospice charity is taking on the challenge of a lifetime by braving a 600ft  high wing walk, dressed as Top Gun’s Maverick.

Hope House and TÅ· Gobaith Chief Executive Andy Goldsmith will be strapped to a plane, enduring speeds of up to 140mph, dressed in Tom Cruise aviator gear.

Andy, who confesses to not being a fan of heights, has had to lose a stone in weight to take part in the feat on July 25. He will be joined by 10 fellow daredevils in fancy dress including 89-year-old pensioner Chris Jones and dad David Whieldon who will be taking on the challenge in memory of his daughter Megs.

Andy will also be spurred on by Hope House fundraiser Dawn Ball, who’ will be dressed as mascot TÅ· Gobaith Tiger.

The wing walking event will be held at RFC Rendcomb near Cirencester, with the AeroSuperBatics Professional Wing Walking Team. It is organised by Anthony and Vanessa Watts, who have been long-term event organisers and supporters of Hope House.

Andy said it was bravado and fundraising that had convinced him to sign up for the wing walk on the 1940s Boeing Stearman.

Andy said: “Last year, our chair of trustees Steve Henly did a wing walk for Hope House and Ty Gobaith and in a moment of foolish bravado, I agreed to do it this year! Fundraiser Dawn Ball has taken pity on me and has also signed up so we can give each other moral support.

“I have had to lose over a stone in weight which has meant missing some of the lovely lunches made by the Hope House restaurant team but I have reached my target weight and now it’s all systems go.

“I recently went on the Giant Wheel in Cardiff, and that seemed very high at 35 metres! I’m trying not to think about how far up in the air I’ll be, but hopefully sponsorship from generous donors will help spur on me on.”

You can help Andy to reach his £2,000 target by sponsoring him at www.hopehouse.org.uk/andys-wing-walk

The next wing walking event will be held on September 12. Find out more and sign up at www.hopehouse.org.uk/wing-walking