Sorry, you want me to go Wingwalking???!!!

As a pilot of many years, I have what I consider reasonable rules about stepping outside an aircraft in flight, unless it's on fire! However, at short notice I've been invited to do this by a dear creative friend of mine to raise money for an extremely good cause and one close to my heart as my you may recall my brother Steve very sadly died from the effects of mental illness a few years ago, and who was a GREAT musician and much more creative than I could ever be, but who sadly had many problems...

I've learned (today!) that Tonic Rider is a charity which was set up to promote good mental health in the Music industry, and I'm well aware that many of my friends who I met during my years depping "on the shows" (musicians, actors and creative support crews alike) have suffered enormously through being totally shut down over the past couple of years, and have little or no support over that period - fortunately we're at last starting to emerge from those times, but it'll take a long while yet to restore it to its former glory, if indeed it ever fully does.

Tonic Rider provides free resources, information, guides and support to promote good mental health, raises awareness of mental health issues and suicides in the music industry, provides Mental Health First Aid and Suicide Intervention training, and a virtual Peer Support Group which is provided by mental health professionals.

I was asked to look at their website - https://www.tonicmusic.co.uk - I did, and I fully support it and recommend that you take a look too please.

In the meantime, probably against my better judgement, I've agreed to step outside my comfort zone and be strapped onto the top wing of a Stearman biplane (I think) in an attempt to raise some money for this great cause.

My target is £500, and I've started the attempt with my own donation. Please donate - it only takes a minute, and this is extremely worthwhile! 

I'll post some pictures after the flight tomorrow...please wish me luck (especially after the recent crash of one of these only the only day!!!!)

Love to you all, and thanks very much for reading this.

Dave XX.