A courageous Southport fundraiser with a head for heights is taking on a wing walk for Claire House Children’s Hospice this Sunday (28th June 2026) – and he’s hoping it will be fourth time lucky!
Jonny Johnstone, 57, will take on his wing walk at Wickenby Aerodrome in Lincolnshire.
He is determined to raise as much money as he can to support youngsters at the hospice.
Jonny, a self-employed gardener and horticulturist who runs JJ’s Garden Services, has already raised £3,000 for the charity.
You can donate here: Jon Johnstone is fundraising for Claire House Children’s Hospice
The keen Everton FC fan said: “This wing walk was initially scheduled over three years ago, but due to weather and mechanical failures to aircraft, it has been cancelled four times.
“There is £3,000 in the fund, and I’m certainly hoping I can generate more donations when I’ve done it!
“Raising funds for Claire House Children’s Hospice is obviously still very important, so I imagine people will respect that.
“My challenge is going to be with the Wing Walk company, flying from Lincoln.
“I would like to say huge thanks to everyone who has already donated, and special thanks to Isothermal Technology in Southport who have covered the cost of the Wing Walk.
“I have completed various other fundraising events in the past, some of them with my mate Colin Reilly, including sky dives, a Tough Guy assault course and the Sandhill 500 challenge, all raising around £20,000 in total.
“It’s five years since me and Colin last took on a challenge to raise Funds for Claire House Children’s Hospice, a mammoth 500 times up a sandhill in Birkdale.
“Well I’m flying solo so to speak on this one, doing a wing walk!
“There hasn’t been as much training and effort needed for this latest challenge, however it is stretching my nerves.
“I don’t particularly like going on the waltzers, never mind strapped to the top of an aircraft, so it’s going to be interesting.
“The weather looks promising on Sunday in Lincoln, so I’m truly hoping it goes ahead this time!”
A standard wing walk takes place at altitudes between 100ft and 700ft, with the aircraft climbing up to 3,000 ft for some aerobatics.
The aeroplane typically flies at speeds ranging from 80MPH to 120 MPH.
Jonny said: “This wing walk has been that long in coming, I’ll not really think about it until I’m getting into the harness!
“I’m determined to do this for Claire House, and to support all the fantastic work they do.
“It’s a fantastic cause that means so much to us.
“Having spent many times in Claire House with staff, it really does have an impact on your emotions, and leaves a lasting memory in your mind.
“Let’s just hope I finally get up there!”
Claire House Children’s Hospice is based in Bebington in Wirral and supports families across the North West.
The hospice helps seriously and terminally ill children live life to the full by creating wonderful experiences and bringing back a sense of normality to family life.
By providing specialist nursing and end of life care, as well as emotional support, Claire House helps families through some of the toughest times of their lives.
Claire House has a team of trained professionals who are as passionate about what they do as they are talented at doing it. Its staff includes nurses, physiotherapists, play specialists, and counsellors.
Please donate via the JustGiving page: Jon’s fundraiser for Claire House Children’s Hospice here.
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