03 August 2023
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l-r: David Batey, Luis Restrepo
David Batey and Luis Restrepo from TG Lynes, Enfield, will face their fear with a wing walk to raise money for local cancer support charity Teens Unite. Travelling at 130mph, the pair will be strapped to the wings of a plane flying above the fields of Bedfordshire in September.
Luis, who is 46 and lives in Enfield, said: “On a scale of one to 1,000, I’d say my fear of heights is 1,000.
“If I go up a small ladder and look down, I need help. I just glue myself to it. I went on a rollercoaster 20 years ago and felt like I was having a heart attack.
“I get goosebumps just thinking about the wing walk. My family aren’t happy I’m doing it, but I wanted to do something completely out of my comfort zone to help a great charity.
“I’m preparing as much as I can by watching videos of other people wing-walking, but it’ll get more nerve-racking as the day approaches.”
Delivery driver Luis will be joined in the challenge by sales executive David. The 56-year-old said: “I don’t like flying and haven’t been on a plane in more than five years.
“I will be extremely nervous, there’s no doubt about that, but once I commit to something, there’s no turning back.
“It’s all for a good cause, and I’m hoping I can somehow enjoy the experience!”
Andrew Ingram, managing director at TG Lynes, said: “I am full of admiration for Luis and David for facing their fears, pushing the boundaries and taking on this terrifying challenge.
“I hope people dig deep and support Teens Unite, a fantastic local charity we have had the pleasure of working with over the last 12 months.”
TG Lynes supported Teens Unite with £7,500 worth of product and labour through its Helping Hands campaign last year.
The charity provides people aged between 13 and 24 with the social, emotional, and physical support that is vital to their cancer recovery.
Both men are hoping to raise at least £600 each.
Donations can be made at either https://www.justgiving.com/page/luiswingwalk2023 or https://www.justgiving.com/page/davidswingwalk
