An RAF veteran with terminal cancer will fulfil a childhood dream of performing a thrilling wing walk while raising money for the RAF Association.
Bob Barwise, from St Blazey in Cornwall, will travel to RFC Rendcomb Airfield in Cirencester on 16 October, where he will be strapped to the top wing of a 1940’s Boeing Stearman biplane.
He will then take to the air for an exhilarating wing walk, where he will experience a series of flypasts, zoom climbs, dives and banking turns.
“It’s something I’ve wanted to do since childhood, ever since I saw a film from the 1920’s of a young girl doing the Charleston during a wing walk. She wasn’t strapped in of course, but I will be, thank goodness!” said Bob, who spent over 20 years in the RAF as an aircraft technician.
A wing walk is on Bob’s bucket list after the 69-year-old was diagnosed with terminal blood cancer in 2022.
“I want to spend what time I have left doing the things I want to do while I’m still able to do them. Being able to raise money for a good cause is a bonus,” said Bob.
An active member of the Association’s RAF St Mawgan Branch in Newquay, Bob has praised the support of fellow members and friends since his diagnosis, in particular Reverend (Wing Commander) Andrew Turner RAF (Retired).
“Andrew has been an absolute diamond. He’s come to the hospital with me for all my appointments and he’s really kept me going – he’s been a real godsend.”
So far Bob has raised an incredible £1,200 for the Association, every penny of which will go towards supporting members of the RAF community when they need it most.
The Association’s Community Challenge Fundraiser (South) Helen Tempest said:
“Bob is an inspiration to us all and proof that it’s never too late to achieve your dreams. He has raised an astonishing amount of money for the Association, which will help us continue our work to support the RAF community. We’re very grateful to Bob and wish him all the best for his wing walk.”
Find out more about RAFA Flies wing walking: rafa.org.uk/fundraising-events/rafa-flies-wing-walking
