Daring 76-year-old skydiver from Stowmarket looking forward to his adventure

William (Paddy) Bates is counting down the days to his daring skydive.

And although he may be 76 years of age he is looking forward to his adventure.

Paddy, who lives with his wife Joan, in Gainsborough Road, Stowmarket, is raring to go on Monday, July 17, at noon, from Beccles Aerodrome.

He was given the skydive as a Christmas gift from his 43-year-old son David, who lives in Barking.

And it was ironic that he received it as a festive present as he was admitted to the West Suffolk Hospital over Christmas Day and Boxing Day suffering from a minor stroke.

But he was so impressed with his treatment at the Bury St Edmunds hospital that he has decided to carry out the skydive to raise money for the My WiSH charity, which supports the hospital.

And the money he raises will go to the G8 stroke ward.

The former RAF flight engineer, who was based at Wattisham Airfield and was a light aircraft pilot, said the last time he was at the controls of an aeroplane was back in 1992 when he used to take off from the former Ipswich Airport.

But he said he is looking forward to getting in the skies above Suffolk once more.

“I was treated so well at the hospital that I felt I just had to do something to give a little bit back and I am so looking forward to the skydive,” added Paddy.

To help boost his fundraising go to his website www.justgiving.com/fundraising/joan-bates