Lowestoft air show recalled with memorable biplane wing walk

Inspired by memories from the popular Lowestoft air show, Angela King decided to set herself a challenge for her 50th birthday.

Mrs King, from Lowestoft, said: "I have been to many air shows in Lowestoft with my husband over the years and I was excited to watch the wing walkers and thought I would really like to do the same.

Angela King, from Lowestoft, with the certificate she earned for completing the challenge. (Image: Mick Howes)

"I was approaching a significant birthday and thought it would be good to do something memorable while raising some funds for charity at the same time."

Having previously worked at Chadds department store, which would later become Beales in Lowestoft, Mrs King chose a worthy cause to benefit from her fundraising.

She raised funds for St Elizabeth East Coast Hospice, which improves life for people in Great Yarmouth and Waveney living with a progressive or life-limiting illness.

Given her connection with the Chadd family - the late Margaret Chadd had  founded the East Coast Hospice charity that has since become St Elizabeth East Coast Hospice following a merger - Mrs King is now a care worker with Home Support Matters.

After spending a week in Gloucestershire - near to Rendcomb aerodrome where the AeroSuperBatics professional wing walkers are based last month - Mrs King said: "I did the wing walk there, with Brian the pilot, Kirstin and Libby the wing walkers talking me through what to expect while they were getting me prepared on the top of the Boeing Stearman biplane.

Angela King, from Lowestoft, at the presentation with the certificate she earned for completing the challenge. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"I enjoyed it, and the stunning scenery - the take-off and landing were very gradual and the flight lasted 10 minutes.

"I waved to my husband down below as he watched me do a series of flypasts, zoom climbs and steep dives.

"I was calm all week leading up to the day of the flight and it flew by too quickly."

Brandon Orton with Angela King and family at the presentation. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Mrs King presented the £1,050 she raised to the hospice's events and challenges fundraiser, Brandon Orton, at the St Elizabeth East Coast Hospice charity shop in Westwood Avenue, Lowestoft.