Mike proves the sky's no limit

Pensioner Michael Jordan is defying age and disability stereotypes, and gravity to boot, to take to the skies in support of his local hospice.

He had planned to celebrate his 90th birthday on the wings of a biplane earlier this month to support his local hospice charity, but due to circumstances out of his control, his challenge was sadly cancelled.

Determined to complete his Wing Walk and honour his fundraising, Mike reached out to other Wing Walk companies, only to find some had a maximum age limit of 80.

Knowing that his local hospice and all those who had donated were counting on him, Mike looked further afield and as a result, will travel all the way to Cirencester on 20 August to complete his life-long ambition.

As the local hospice charity for Exeter, central and east Devon, Hospiscare cares for over 2,000 patients and their families every year. As the hospice receives just 24% of its funding from the NHS, it must rely upon the fundraising endeavours of people like Mike to fund the majority of its specialist services.

Mike is a long-term supporter of Hospiscare and has taken part in the charity’s annual Men’s Walk fundraising event since 2020 in memory of his brother, Tony, who spent his final days on the hospice ward in Exeter.

Mike said: “I’m registered blind, and I’ve been able to support the hospice with Men’s Walk for the last five years in honour of my brother.

“Tony was diagnosed with throat cancer, and he had a lot of support from Hospiscare. He eventually died in the hospice itself, which is where he wanted to be at the end. I’ve supported Hospiscare ever since.

“I’ve always had an ambition to do a Wing Walk but never thought I would be able to. With my 90thbirthday coming up, I thought it would be a good way to celebrate and do something for the charity.”

Mike is self-funding his Wing Walk to ensure that all the money he raises via his JustGiving page goes directly to caring for local people living with a terminal illness. Despite the cancellation of his original birthday plan, Mike has raised over £1,000 for Hospiscare.

Mike added: “People ask if I’m getting apprehensive about the challenge, and I say no, it’s something I’m looking forward to. I hope that when it’s all done, I can celebrate by going to Blackpool and riding on The Big Dipper. It’s one of the oldest surviving wooden rides in the world, and it was built in 1935, just like me! It would really be something to take on this challenge and make a difference to Hospiscare, then ride the Big Dipper to celebrate.”

To donate to Mike’s challenge and raise vital funds for Hospiscare, please visit his JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/page/michael-jordan-1-wing-walk.