SWINDON GRANDMOTHER TAKES TO THE SKIES IN CHARITY WING WALK

A GRANDMOTHER-of-five is preparing to take to the skies to complete a wing walk in aid of a charity that has supported her.

Swindon-born Olive Pryor said she was inspired to strap herself to a plane and raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support as a thank you for supporting her through her own cancer treatment.

Olive was diagnosed with Stage 3 womb cancer in January 2022 and underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery at Great Western Hospital, Swindon and Royal United Hospital, Bath, with the support of Macmillan’s personalised care team based at the Great Western Hospital.

To give back she now hopes to raise £1,500 for the charity by taking on the fundraising challenge at Rendcomb Airfield, near Cirencester, on September 3.

 “Macmillan Cancer Support helps so many people, but without help they can’t support everyone who needs them,” she said.

“Right from the beginning, Macmillan supported me with great care and understanding for both myself and my husband David. The Macmillan team stood by us through everything from chemotherapy to radiotherapy and surgery.

“I completed my course of radiotherapy in January 2023 but Jan, my named nurse, was available throughout, and even now, after getting the all-clear, she is still by my side and available for all follow-up appointments to ring and speak to at any time.”

The retired mother-of-three, who previously worked at Willows Counselling Service in Swindon for 25 years, added: “The Macmillan Finance team gave me advice and support, including help with applying for a Blue Badge for disabled parking which was invaluable when I went for hospital appointments.”

Olive, who keeps fit by swimming five times a week and walking regularly, said she is ‘very excited’ to take on the wing walk challenge.

She added: “I can’t run a marathon and I don’t want to jump out of a plane or do a bungee jump but I’m quite happy to stand on top of the wings of a plane.”

Whilst her grandchildren are excited at the prospect of seeing her up in sky, she says husband David will be keeping his feet ‘firmly on the ground.’

“David thinks I’m mad to do it but he’s been absolutely fabulous and my absolute rock.” 

Olive has set up a JustGiving fundraising page for the challenge.

“The amazing care and support that Macmillan provides is not supported by government funding in any way and relies on support of donations,” she said.

“Please support this wing walk activity so that I can, in some small way, repay them for the dedication shown to me during my treatment and so this can continue for others.”

To donate to, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/olivewingwalk