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Grandmother to walk on plane wings for ellenor hospice in memory of grandson Oscar

A pensioner who has a fear of flying will walk on the wings of a plane in memory of her grandson who died of cancer.

Anne Saunders, of Hedge Road, Dartford, is taking part in the wing walk to raise money for Northfleet based ellenor, a charity that helps looks after people with terminal illnesses and their families.

The 76-year-old's grandson Oscar passed away in July 2011, just before his third birthday, after an 18-month battle with cancer.

Anne Saunders is taking on the challenge later this month. Picture: ellenor
Anne Saunders is taking on the challenge later this month. Picture: ellenor

Tot Oscar was visited by nurses from the hospice weekly who gave him medication and provide emotional support for the family.

His father Tony and grandmother Anne have teamed up ever since to complete fundraisers and spread the word of ellenor.

Anne said: "I am delighted to support ellenor in their work that I have seen first-hand.

"We have supported ellenor since 2011. My son has run marathons and climbed mountains and has been doing a charity bike ride every year since Oscar passed away.

Anne's grandson Oscar
Anne's grandson Oscar

"Even my grandson Charlie, now who's now eight years old, has raised £10,000 for ellenor.

"My son and his wife have always said ellenor and the care they gave to all the family was the glue that held them all together.

"The care my grandson received from the team was incredible and I feel it was about time I did something and as I'm terrified of heights, I thought a wing walk would be the thing to do.”

The grandmother will be whizzing through the sky at 130mph on a 1940s Boeing Stearman on June 2.

Anne's grandson Charlie (right), pictured with his father Tony (left), helped to raise more than £10,000 for charity
Anne's grandson Charlie (right), pictured with his father Tony (left), helped to raise more than £10,000 for charity

Senior events fundraiser at ellenor, Emma Bowles, said: “We are delighted that Anne will be joining us for ellenor’s very first Wing Walk fundraising event.

"We have a wonderful team of participants taking part in this adrenaline filled experience and taking on this incredible challenge to support the care we provide in our community.

"In less than a week this event has been overwhelmingly popular, with places almost selling out."

For more information, or to donate, you can visit: ellenor.org/events/event-details/wing-walk

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