Taking to the skies for a daring wing walk in memory of close relative

It was a poignant fundraising stunt by Louise Armstrong-Bell as she soared up to 700ft.

For she took to the skies for a wing walk in memory of her husband’s uncle and in a bid to raise money for the MyWiSH charity, which supports the West Suffolk Hospital.

The 38-year-old full time care assistant’s stunt took place at Damyns Hall Aerodrome, in Upminster, on a Boeing Stearman Biplane, and she raised £1,035.

Louise, who lives in Takers Lane, Stowmarket, was fundraising after receiving a comfort pack while spending time with her builder husband David, 44, and his uncle Victor Couzens, at the hospital. The couple visited him every day since he was admitted to the West Suffolk at the end of January but he sadly died just a few weeks before her wing walk on July 30.

Seventy-eight-year-old Victor, who lived in Elmswell, had lung cancer and a tumour on his spine and Louise wore a locket which contained his ashes as she soared skyward.

The funds raised from the stunt will be going towards comfort packs for families that do not wish to leave their dying loved one. The packs contain toothbrushes, drinks, chocolate and other goodies.

Funds will also go to helping with the family room refurbishment, fold up beds, and the butterfly garden where families can sit to remember their loved ones.

Louise said: “It was a very emotional day for me and Victor came up with me. He always said he wanted to see me do the wing walk and I want to do it again so I can take in the views but having him with me was a big comfort for me. It was really good.”

Pictured above at the West Suffolk Hospital is, left to right, Michelle Buono, End of Life Education Nurse, Palliative Care; Louise Armstrong-Bell; Amy Hatch, My WiSH fundraising officer; and Sam Hobson, Practice Development Nurse, Palliative Care.

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