News

A pensioner who had only ever stepped foot on a plane to go on holiday took to the skies to complete a charity wing walk.

Liz Templar, from Chiselborough, was strapped to the wings of the plane which took off from Dunkerswell Airfield in Devon to raise money for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).

Retired teacher Liz, 73, who works as a community champion at Morrisons supermarket in Yeovil, opted for her trip across the skies after her colleagues at the store signed up to complete a skydive in aid of the charity Together for Short Lives.

Morrisons has been supporting Together for Short Lives in a special partnership which began in February 2022.

The partnership is raising vital funds for children’s hospices across the country, helping families make precious memories and reaching even more families caring for a seriously ill child.

It is hoped the partnership will raise £10 million by the time it comes to an end in October 2024.

So far Morrisons Yeovil has raised more than £70,000 for Together for Short Lives.

Liz raised an incredible £1,002 for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) from her challenge, with the amount also being match funded by Morrisons.

“Initially I wanted to do the skydive with my colleagues,” said Liz

“But the doctor advised against it.

“So I got permission to do a wing walk instead.”

For Liz, her challenge was quite an experience, having only ever stepped foot on a plane for a holiday trip.

“It was a little scary in places, especially when the plane was cornering.

All I kept thinking when I was up in the sky was that I was raising money for an incredible charity and that every penny would go to helping children and their families supported by Children’s Hospice South West

Liz’s brother David was one of those who sponsored her for the challenge.

Sadly, David died earlier this month with the family agreeing that the collection in lieu of flowers at the funeral should also go to Children’s Hospice South West.

“I can’t do the incredible work that the staff at Children’s Hospice South West can do,” said Liz.

“But what I can do is raise money to help the charity continue its work.”