Gay grandad’s wingwalk to raise cash for LGBT+charity – Somerset Live

July 24, 2022 News Editor

An octogenarian grandad is to strap himself to the wings of plane thousands of feet into the sky – to raise money for a charity which supports the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community across North Somerset. Eighty-one-year-old David Elsey is to attach himself to the wings of a Boeing Stearman biplane to raise money for the North Somerset LGBT+ Forum.

The forum, which is self-funded, supports the local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community with support groups, meet-ups and safe space socials. It raises much of its funds through jumble sale events at its headquarters in Meadow Street, Weston-super-Mare.

David set himself the challenge of raising funds after experiencing homophobia in the workplace. He said: “I grew up in the ‘40s to early ‘60s in the Thames Valley industrial belt before coming out in the 1970s.

“There was no information on alternative lifestyles, as we now know, macho behaviour was considered the norm. A failed marriage led to a gay lifestyle in the ‘70s.

“While my parents were supportive of me being ‘out’ many of my other friends were not. I left my second career due to my line managers being homophobic.

“I became very wary of having to triple-check every professional action I undertook. It was during this time I became a member of The Campaign For Homosexual Equality, marching on parliament and city hall.

“It gave me a sense of belonging.” David says he is looking forward to the aerobatic challenge.

“I’m a mini adrenaline junkie,” he said. And someone may well benefit from this act of mine. That is, before my kids put me in a home for the elderly mentally deranged or whatever you do with people like me.

“Funds are needed to ensure the North Somerset LGBT+ Forum continues to offer informative support to a wide range of people wishing to feel comfortable within their own skin.” The flight will see him strapped to the wings of the Boeing Stearman biplane and flown by an experienced pilot who is part of the world-famous AeroSuperBatics Wing Walkers Display team.

The daring OAP has also reserved a loop the loop experience – but only if he copes with the first flight successfully. The whole day will be recorded and posted on the charity’s website and Facebook pages.

David is now appealing for people to get behind him and sponsor his stunt. To support David visit his Go Fund Me page here.

Water quality tests revealed for Weston-super-Mare Marine Lake

‘Dangerous’ seafront skatepark re-opens following repairs

Why SEE Monster will change the face of Weston-super-Mare

SEE Monster in Weston-super-Mare LIVE: Pictures and more as huge structure arrives