Pensioner to take on daring wing walk challenge to raise funds for Lancaster hospice
A 72-year-old is taking on an infamous wing walk this summer in memory of her beloved husband.
Narelle Kilby hopes to raise a minimum of £500 for her favourite charity by taking on the Ethel Davies Wing Walk in memory of her husband Roger.
Roger died in 2017, just seven weeks after his diagnosis, and through this short time was cared for by Narelle with support from a St John’s Hospice clinical nurse specialist, who she describes as “an absolute treasure”.
"He couldn’t do enough for Roger, he was there to listen, advise and help Roger manage his pain and symptoms,” Narelle said.
Following Roger’s death Narelle went to a St John’s group counselling session, which she describes as “one of the best things I ever did.”
The group still meets up to this day enjoying lunch together, socialising and giving each other mutual support when needed.
It was at this group that Narelle met David Aris, BBC Cumbria’s charity fundraiser of the year.
David is a prolific fundraiser for St John’s Hospice and together they plan their wish activities, to raise funds so other people’s loved ones can receive St John’s care.
Narelle said: “I’m something of a daredevil! I’ve wanted to do a wing walk for a while and so it makes sense to do something daring which raises money for St John’s Hospice care.
"I love flying and have taken micro flights – they’re tame so I hope the wing walk will have that extra thrill.
"I’m 72, I’m not getting any younger but that doesn’t stop me combining great experiences with fundraising!
"I talk to David Aris every day and he will be with me at the airfield to capture every moment.
"We’ve both lost a spouse and both gained our friendship. If David could do this, he would but at 96 his GP said ‘no’ to this charity wing walk.
"I’m going to keep pictures of Roger and David’s late beloved wife June so they’re part of the experience too. They’d both be so proud.”
When asked Narelle what comes after the wing walk, she said: “Maybe I’ll paraglide off a cliff”.
From someone who gets scared of going up ladders, a wing walk and a potential cliff paraglide is quite something!