Daring grandparents pluck up courage for biplane wing walk

Jo and Dave Helm are doing a wing walk for East Cheshire Hospice on Monday, July 26.

Jo, 49, has no head for heights and husband Dave, 52, has had to lose almost a stone to be eligible for the daunting challenge.

Jo and Dave have been married for 28 years

"I am very nervous," said Jo, from Middlewich, who works at the hospice as a health care assistant.

"I am not very good with heights and can't get past the third rung of a ladder when I'm decorating, but I absolutely love my job and the hospice desperately needs funds.

"They haven't been able to do any sponsored events or fundraising.

Jo with daughter Leanne, son Jack, husband Dave, son Henry and granddaughter Jessica

"I want to help them because I know how amazing they are."

Mum-of-three Jo joined the hospice at home team in November after working in care for 15 years.

"We look after people who have life limiting illness and wish to die at home," she said.

"It is a privilege to be there for them and their families in their final days.

"The team is absolutely wonderful and we all work together."

Dave also started a new job last year and works for the Richmond Fellowship mental health charity.

He has stepped in to join Jo for the charity stunt after another member of the team had to pull out for personal reasons.

Dave said: "You have to be a certain weight so I had to lose early a stone to take part.

Jo and Dave, who has had to give up alcohol to lose almost a stone for the challenge

"It meant no alcohol, no chocolate and no crisps. I do feel better."

The couple, who have been married for 28 years, were both poorly in March last year with Covid but have now made a full recovery.

The family is behind their ambitious venture.

Daughter Leanne, sons Henry and Jack and grandchildren Oliver and Jessica will be cheering them on when they join the world's only formation team AeroSuperBatics.

Jo said: "My stomach turns every time I think about it. You have to climb 10ft onto the top of the plane to get strapped in and I will be in the air for 10 minutes.

Jo with grandchildren Oliver and Jessica

"We get three hours of training. I'll be nervous and shaking but I am looking forward to it. My family is encouraging me so much.

"The flight is tailored to each person. If you want a bit more of an adrenalin rush and really enjoy it you can do a loop-the-loop next time.

"I keep getting butterflies when I think of it. I'm just going to literally wing it."

Dave added: "I am excited and more nervous for Jo. I don't mind going first, we will be there for each other.

"I am looking forward to that adrenalin rush and then the feeling of freedom, the peace and quiet you get up there.

"I saw the display team perform in Southport. I never dreamed I would be taking part one day."

To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising/joanne-helm1