On a wing and a prayer for mum (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

On a wing and a prayer for mum

High flier Dave Howells who is going to wing walk with the Utterly Butterly teamA HIGH-FLYING pub landlord has found a novel way to pay tribute to his late mother.

Dave Howells, 52, is planning to perform a sponsored wing-walk to raise money for the Prospect Hospice, which looked after his mum before she died earlier this year.

And the landlord of the Boundary House, in Moredon, wants to praise the hospice sky-high.

He said: "They looked after her really well."

His mother, Eileen Howells, from Park North, was 78 when she died in July.

Dave said: "She was a socialite always out dancing. She was the life and soul of a party and a real battler.

"In fact she was the best mum in the world."

So now Dave is determined to boost the Prospect Hospice's funds with an aerial stunt.

He's no stranger to risk-taking as he's abseiled and parachuted before, but wing-walking will be a first.

Although he has been in the licensed trade for 25 years his daredevil tendencies may have been nurtured during spells in the Army and Merchant Navy when he was younger.

He said: "I'm not scared. In fact I'm looking forward to it. I must have a screw loose.

"I'm happy to collect money in the bar. Our regulars are a generous lot but the most notable thing I think I can do to raise awareness of my cause is to fly high for charity, with the Utterly Butterly wing-walking team near Cirencester."

Dave will not be alone when he takes to the skies as George Arkell, the director of the brewery that owns the Boundary House, has decided to join him on the wing.

He said: "I think it's a great idea and a fantastic way to not only raise money but also raise the profile of one of our most worthwhile charities in Swindon.

George also has previous when it comes to dangerous sports.

He surfs, rides, abseils and parachutes.

He said: "Sometimes, physically stretching yourself to the limit is a good way to show that others are doing the same thing when they battle with an illness or other emotional events."

Anyone wanting to support Dave should telephone him on 01793 534186.

David Andrew