AN INTREPID trio will be reaching for the skies next weekend for an airborne experience of a lifetime and to raise funds for a Worcester-based charity.

They are heading to an Oxfordshire aerodrome on Sunday June 18 where they will be strapped to the wings of a biplane for the exhilarating experience of wing walking in aid of Sight Concern Worcestershire.

Two of the three have sight loss. The charity’s volunteer and trustee Shirley Sheridan, from Upton-upon-Severn, lost her sight suddenly due to having type 1 diabetes as a child, while Mark Abel from Warndon, Worcester, also lost his sight suddenly six years ago. He is taking on the challenge in memory of his 14 year-old son Sam who tragically died in January this year.

They are joined by Sight Concern chief officer Jenny Gage who relishes unusual challenges.

Mark, a sportsman and long term supporter of the charity, said: “Six years ago I suddenly lost my sight in just three hours and I despaired about my future.

“But Sight Concern gave me my confidence back by giving me specialist training in how to do so many things, from everyday essentials such as choosing clothes, making a cup of tea, using a mobile phone, getting from A to B and using a computer again. Their specialist software and magnification also enabled me to return back to work with the NHS.

“My sporting capability was totally dented when I lost my sight, but Sight Concern, along with my son Sam, helped me return to sport and try new activities.

“I now tandem cycle, play golf and I’ve even represented the UK swimming at the 2016 Invictus Games and Alpine Ski Racing with the Armed Forces Parasnowsport Team.”

He added: “Wing walking at Chiltern Park Aerodrome will be the most terrifying challenge to date. I’ll take to the skies strapped to the wings of a biplane doing steep climbs and low-level fly-pasts and goodness knows what else.

“But the chief pilot, Mike Dentith, has over 5,000 flying hours and he’s performed at some 2,000 air displays over 30 years, so we’ll all be in safe hands. Come and watch us smile and wave as we take on this momentous event for charity.

“It will definitely be a day to remember and honour the memory of a dearly missed and lovely son, my wee boy Sam. I hate heights so I hope Sam will be flying high by my side and be proud of his dad.”

Shirley said losing her sight suddenly affected her badly but she now has a reputation for being fearless. She said: “After an experience like that, nothing will frighten me as much again.

“I’m now getting a reputation for being fearless – I’ve parachuted from 10,000 feet, I’ve abseiled the Abberley Clock Tower (which was a bit tame) and Cripplegate House, and now I can hardly wait to brave the elements ducking and diving on a biplane.

“Sight Concern was here for me all the time, so giving something back to the charity is very important to me.”

Jenny Gage, chief officer of the charity, said: “I’m always looking for new and challenging adventures and this is undoubtedly one of them. I’m so proud of Mark and Shirley, and when I heard about their plans to wing walk, I knew I had to join them. I think June 18 is going to be a very special day for the charity and for us all.”

Anyone wishing to support Shirley, Mark and Jenny can donate at https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/shirleysheridan2; https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/markabel1 and https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/jennygage