“I was desperate to do something out of the ordinary – and a wing walk is definitely that.”
40 is the new 30 – or so they say.
For Dispatcher Scott Sheldon, turning 40 presented him with the perfect opportunity for a daring challenge.
To start his 40’s with a bang, Scott is taking on the ultimate challenge. 100-700ft in the air. 110mph. 10 minutes of airborne adrenaline.
On 27 July, Scott will be strapped to a 1942 Boeing Stearman before taking off from Henstridge Airfield, home to our colleagues at Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, as he embarks on the flight of his life.
As he prepares to swap the dispatch desk for this soaring stunt, we spoke to Scott to see how he’s feeling ahead of the big day.
“I started this as a celebration to kick off my 40’s in style – and to also make me feel a little less old,” Scott said.
“It’s a big milestone and I’m always looking to push myself out of my comfort zone, so this felt like the perfect challenge.
“I was desperate to do something out of the ordinary – and a wing walk is definitely that,” he said.
“I’m not exactly scared of heights, but the thought of being on top of a plane rather than in it is putting me on edge. I’m sure once I am in the air it will be an unforgettable experience – though I don’t think I’ll be having much breakfast beforehand.”
Once he has come back down to earth, and enjoyed the rest of his day off, you’ll find Scott back on the dispatch desk scanning the thousands of 999 calls that require our emergency critical care each year.
“We rely entirely on generous donations from people in our community to be there for those who need us most,” said Scott.
“That’s why I’m excited to raise money and awareness of this great team and service that I’m proud to be a part of.”
Support Scott and help us be there for our next patient.
