Great Yarmouth great-grandmother wings it for charity

Jackie Tierney outside Age Connected, formerly Age Concern. Picture: James Bass (Image: Archant Norfolk © 2016)

Jackie Tierney raised around £1,800 by completing the daring feat, which she will donate to the town-based charity Age Connected, where she is services manager.

Ms Tierney, 64, first became infatuated with planes as a child while on holiday in Great Yarmouth.

Originally from Hackney, her family came to visit around 50 years ago, flying aboard a small aircraft to see the seals at Scroby sands.

Ms Tierney said: “The flight always left an impression with me, and then seeing a film of a wing walker one time it became a must on my bucket list. I also knew I wanted to return to Great Yarmouth and live by the seaside.”

The great-grandmother has now been living in the town for more than 30 years and on Sunday, she finally ticked wing walking off her list.

Ms Tierney said: “It lived up to expectations, although I was more nervous than I thought I would be. It was quite scary when you are up in the air, but there is little you can do about it.

“The hardest part was getting onto the aircraft with legs that had turned to jelly, but the weather was perfect thankfully.”

She said: “I am really grateful to have had the opportunity to fulfil one of the things on my bucket list, but it would not have happened if it had not been for the great support given by so many people.

“The money will go towards helping us to continue to provide services, activities, information and support to the over 50s living in the borough.”

This is not the first time though that Ms Tierney has touched the clouds in the name of the charity.

Two years ago she climbed Ben Nevis, and by comparison, the wing walk seemed more like a walk in the park.

She said: “That was real hard work – so wing walking was an easier option, albeit more scary.”

To find out more about Age Connected’s services, call 01493 262 052 or visit their store at 8-9 Regent Street.