Tracey Gould, from West End, overcame her fear of flying by wing walking on the Isle of Wight last week, which has seen her raise more than £2,500 for Mountbatten Hospice.
Tracey first experienced the care of Mountbatten Hospice, based in West End, when her father David, received support during the final days of his life in 2012, after he’d been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer.
Having been inspired by the “incredible work” staff provide at the care facility, Tracey volunteered at the hospice on weekends before joining full-time three years ago as a healthcare assistant.
Speaking to the Echo, Tracey said: “I’ve seen first hand the incredible work that goes on at Mountbatten Hospice.
“Like any charity, it relies a lot on donations, and I thought I would do something to try and raise some money.
“I hate flying, I’m on holiday in Tenerife at the moment and I cried when we were taking off because I’m that scared of flying, but wing walking was an amazing experience and something totally different, I would do it again.”
Tracey Gould moments away from taking to the sky (Image: Supplied) READ MORE: Ornamental Lake in Southampton dries out due to lack of rain
Tracey is a three-time cancer survivor, having overcome colon cancer after being diagnosed in 2011, and two breast cancer diagnoses in 2021 and 2023.
“I think I’m really lucky,” said Tracey.
“What I’ve been through is no comparison to what some people have experienced in the hospice, yet it’s a really happy place.
“There’s no doom and gloom and everyone is so friendly.
“I’m really proud with what I’ve managed to raise but I’d be delighted if there’s anyone else that would like to donate, as it goes to an amazing cause.”
Though she’s not quite conquered her fear of flying, Tracey said she would be open to wing walking again in the future.
She added: “It was an unbelievable experience; I think I would do it again.
“The most important thing is the money that’s been raised for Mountbatten Hospice.”