A SOLIHULL woman was on top of the world last week when she completed a wingwalk for charity.
Diana Wood took part in the stunt to raise money for Cancer Research UK. The 54-year-old had lost both her husband and sister to the illness and thinks that the flight was a fitting tribute.
She was inspired to take to the skies by the borough's highest flyer Tom Lackey. The 88-year-old has completed no less than 17 wingwalks and was recently named Live Younger Personality of the Year.
The Shirley daredevil was airborne again last week - this time raising money for the Gurkha Welfare Trust.
Diana took off from Rendcomb Airfield on Thursday and spent around ten minutes in the air. She had no worries about being strapped atop the single-engined aircraft and welcomed the pilot's offer to make the flight like a rollercoaster.
"It took my breath away," said the Bentley Heath resident. "I was literally on cloud nine and would definitely recommend it.
"Tom had suggested that I take a picture of my husband and sister with me and I took his advice. I think that's why I didn't have any nerves, because I felt like they were with me."
So far Diana has raised more than £1,000 in sponsorship and is very grateful to the friends, neighbours and colleagues who have supported her. She is still collecting and people can make donations at Notcutt's nursery where she works.
Tom, a veteran daredevil, had nothing but praise for Diana and the many other women who have taken part in wingwalks.
"It was a bit windy up there, but she coped brilliantly. Apart from my doctor, Sanjey Rai, all the people who have done a wingwalk with me have been women. They've shown a great deal of spirit - which reminds me of the attitude women showed in the war."
Diana enjoyed the experience so much she would happily do it again and is considering doing a loop-the-loop.
