Wing walker, 81, grateful for 'generous donations'

Esther Hussey said she "wasn't afraid at all"

An 81-year-old woman from Somerset who took part in a charity wing walk has thanked everyone for their "generous" donations.

Esther Hussey, who took on the challenge at Henstridge Airfield, had planned to raise £200 for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance but surpassed the goal by raising over £1,000.

"It felt just lovely, like being up in an aeroplane, only outside not inside," Mrs Hussey said.

"People have been very generous and money is still coming in," she added.

Esther Hussey took on the challenge at Henstridge Airfield

Mrs Hussey said she decided to raise money for the service after the air ambulance helped some of her family members.

"We're very rural and if someone's taken really ill it takes a long time to get around the country lanes to get to a hospital. The air ambulance is just down the road and can get you there in super quick time," she said.

Mrs Hussey said while she had "difficulty getting onto the aeroplane", once she was strapped in she "wasn't scared at all".

"It was very windy up there, difficult to hold your arms out and wave, but wonderful views," she said.

Esther Hussey had planned to raise £200 but ended up raising over £1000

Mrs Hussey was supported by her family and friends on the day.

"I suppose I was in the air for about 10 minutes. All my friends were down below waving," she said.

She said: "I've done a few things like this in the past, last year I did the zipwire in Wales."

Mrs Hussey said she does not know what her next challenge will be.

"I'll have to wait and see what the grandchildren dare me to do next," she added.