Fearless pensioners’s wacky fundraiser tops the boards

Earlier this year, thrill-seeking Jean Humphreys, 81, took on a wing walk raising a sky-high sum of £2,032 for the British Heart Foundation.

And this week, her aerial adrenaline antics have been hailed by the charity as one the most weird and wacky fundraising ploys to support the worthy cause.

Jean, of Lavinia Way, said: “I was quite surprised. When I agreed to do it I thought it would be a bit of a giggle. It was enormous fun and everyone was so supportive.”

The plucky pensioner carried out the death-defying wing walk after tragically losing her husband, Brian to heart failure in 2011 following a stroke.

The daredevil’s challenge, saw Jean standing atop a plane as it reached speeds of 90mph.

Speaking of her wing walk. Jean said: “It was incredibly windy, but it was such an amazing experience. It’s great to do something really out of the ordinary for such a good cause.

“It’s wonderful to think that in five or ten years’ time someone could be saved because of the money I’ve raised for the British Heart Foundation’s life-saving research.”

Around 883,000 people across the south east – and seven million people UK-wide – are fighting a daily battle with cardiovascular disease.

The heart foundation urgently needs more people across the region to organise their own unique fundraising events to help transform the lives of people living with these devastating conditions.

Tina Bajec, head of ‘raise funds your way’ at the foundation, said: “Jean’s story is an inspiration to us all and we are incredibly grateful for her support. Every pound raised will play a crucial role in funding new breakthroughs to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease.

“Around seven million people are living with these life-changing conditions, so we urgently need more people help raise money for our research.

£By organising your own fundraising event like Jean you can help transform the lives millions of people in a way unique to you.”

Those wishing to help are being urged to sign-up online and download a free fundraising

For further information and to find out how to become a fundraiser, visit www.bhf.org.uk/yourway

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