Arthur (Art) Williams, 75, will fulfil a lifetime’s ambition on May 27th by taking to the skies – standing on the wing of a plane!

A long-standing member of the Almost Athletes Running Club, Art has always led an impressively active and enthusiastic lifestyle. A wing walk has been on his to-do list for a number of years, and his 75^th birthday in February this year prompted him to tick off the bold challenge from his personal ‘bucket list’.

Art’s personal ‘to do’ list previously included running a marathon. He has since gone on to complete 15,  the most recent of which took place in Florida, at the age of 71, when Art not only ran a half-marathon on the Saturday  but also a full marathon on the Sunday for which he received the much sought after ‘Goofy Challenge’ medal.

Art commented on his impending daredeveil stunt:

“It’s something to do for my 75^th birthday. I’ve done marathons, I wanted to travel around the world and I’ve done that twice – both ways – and so the wing walk is the next thing on my list. If I don’t do it sooner rather than later, I won’t be physically able to climb onto that plane!”

Art has been in conversation with the pilot, Mike (a friend of his) about what to expect, and has received clearance from his doctor. He is now looking forward to taking part in the challenge later this month.

Art has been volunteering for Winston’s Wish, the leading childhood bereavement charity in the UK, for just under a year. He was one of the stewards monitoring the soldiers dipping toast soldiers into eggs at the Great British Brekkie record break at Imjin barracks in January. Art would like donations for his wing walk to go to Winston’s Wish:

“It’s great to support a local charity, and I have been aware of Winston’s Wish for some time. Hopefully Winston Bear will make an appearance and we can fill the buckets to support a great cause”.

Art’s flight will take place at Gloucestershire Airport on Tuesday 27th May. He has chosen this date specifically as it falls in half term, when his grandchildren (Sophie, 21, and Bradley, 16), along with his 20 month old great-grandson Charlie, will be able to spectate.

Art is encouraging as many people as possible to come along and cheer him on alongside his family and fellow running club members. It is suggested that guests arrive at the Aviator Restaurant (GL51 6SP), a good vantage point for the flight, at 11.30am for a 12 noon flight.

To make a donation to Winston’s Wish for Art’s wing walk challenge, please visit his JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/Art-Williams