Ilkley grandma, 82, wing-walks in latest challenge for charity

Valerie’s first challenge, almost 30 years ago, was a hot air balloon ride but she said it had left her wanting more.

“It wasn’t really a challenge, you just stand in a basket and go up,” she said. “But the problem was when we got there, I was hanging over the basket because I just wanted to jump.”

She previously took part in a tandem skydive, while living with her daughter in Texas, and a wing walk to raise money for LS29, an Ilkley charity that provides holidays for children with additional needs.

“Before I did the first one, we went to Blackpool Pleasure Beach and I went on all the rollercoasters just to check my pacemaker didn’t pack in,” she said.

“It’s still ticking, it’s fine.”