Parker’s employee goes out on a wing for charity

 

 

A member of staff at the Uckfield branch of Parker Buillding Supplies has taken on a terrifying challenge for charity.

Stuart Chappell, also known as Chappie, is going to do a wing-walk on an aeroplane on August 6 to raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) and Great Ormond Street Hospital, in memory of his friend’s son.

 

Chappell works on the sales counter at Parker Building Supplies’ Uckfield branch on the Bellbrook Estate. He said: “As a company, we raise money for TCT and are all encouraged to do something to help. We’ve played cricket matches in the past but I fancied doing something a bit different this time. I also chose Great Ormond Street as my friend’s son, Noah Thatcher, had brain complications when he was born and spent a lot of time there before he sadly passed away aged 10 months. I’ve paid to do the wing walk so that all the money I raise goes to these two important charities.”

 

He has already surpassed his fundraising target of £1,000 and is currently just short of £2,000, but expects this figure to increase.

 

The wing walk is at Damyns Hall Aerodrome in Upminster, Essex. “On the day I’ll have a safety briefing on arrival, but then it’s just me standing on a wing for 10 minutes while the plane climbs, swoops and does flypasts over the airfield, reaching speeds of up to 130mph. I’m a thrill seeker and like extreme fear but the whole point of this is to raise lots of money for the charities.”

 

To boost the fundraising, Chappell is selling £1 raffle tickets with more than 40 prizes on offer donated by local businesses. Prizes range from a night’s stay at East Sussex National, to Horsted Health Club & Spa membership, and a Mikita DAB radio to gift vouchers.

“I’ve had great support from Parker Building Supplies and other local businesses and I can’t wait to get on and do the wing walk now. Although I’m excited at the moment, I think I might be a bit scared on the day,” he admitted.

 

Parker Building Supplies’ marketing & communications manager, Jamie Pierce, said: “We encourage all our staff to get involved with the company’s charity fundraising and it’s great news that Chappie’s going to do a wing walk. He’s known as a bit of a daredevil in the office but he’s definitely going out of his comfort zone this time! Good luck, Chappie.”

 

To donate to Chappie, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/displaySomeoneSpecialPage.action?pageUrl=NoahandTCT