HE'S wing walked before but for his latest adventure, Ian Tighe-Ford is going one step further.
The 77-year-old, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, is doing an aerobatics challenge for two causes close to his heart.
It will see him doing loops, drops, spins and other tricks while strapped to the wings of a biplane.
The 77-year-old from Royal Wootton Bassett wants to raise £5,000 and is already half way there from his earlier wing walking exploits.
He said: “I decided to do this one because I set myself a target of raising the £5,000 for Cancer Research UK and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
“I’m halfway there so I want to make up the other half.
"I’ve done a skydive before but wing walking is far more interesting and I’m no longer classed as a novice so I get to do the aerobatics one.”
Ian picked these two charities after one of his friends died from leukaemia and he and his wife Chris lost two dogs to cancer within five weeks of each other.
Despite the earlier wing walk, Ian is still feeling nervous.
He told the Adver: “I’m a bit apprehensive but it should help raise the money.
"And these causes are very close to my heart and I want to do what I can for them.”
And his wife of 46 years is not over the moon about his decision.
“I will just say that Chris would prefer it if I wasn’t doing it but she still supports me,” he said.
But this is the last time that Ian will behave like a daredevil because of his condition.
Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the brain, spinal cord and the optic nerves in the eyes.
It can cause problems for his sight and balance, so being on top of a plane can be unnerving and difficult for Ian.
He’s even had to stop doing some of the things he enjoys in life like driving, which he gave up 11 years ago after losing some of his vision.
He said: “I think this will be my last one.
"I’m not a young man. I’ve got MS and being realistic how much longer am I going to be able to do these things?
“Getting on to the wing of the plane the first time I did the wing walk it was difficult.
"It would have been easy for a young able-bodied man but it was a problem for me.
“I just hope that I can make my goal of £5,000 and then I’ll be happy.”
He will be completing the aerobatics wing walk on May 1 at Rendcomb Airfield near Cirencester, this year.
To donate to Ian’s fundraiser visit Virgin Money Giving’s website.
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