Ealing woman flies high to raise funds for bionic arms

A 72-year-old Ealing resident has undertaken a six minute wing walk on an Boeing–Stearman Model 75 biplane to raise vital funds to provide bionic arms for children.

Sonja Garsvo, chair of Ealing Parks Foundation, took on the challenge which saw her soaring 1,000 feet in the air last week (30 July 2024) on top of the bi plane at Royal Flying Corps Rendcomb Airfield in Gloucestershire.

Her Livery Company, the Worshipful Company of Glovers is looking to raise £50k towards their prosthetics charity which provides bionic arms and other prosthetics to children.

Ms Garsvo said: “Today in the UK, there are around 2,500 children and 18,000 people of all ages with upper limb differences. While not all of them need or want a prosthetic arm, there is no doubt that for those who do, the route through the NHS is long and arduous.”

She added: “Since 2018, The Worshipful Company of Glovers has been funding or partially funding bionic arms for adults and children, which in some cases has proven to be life-changing. I have been involved with this virtually since its inception and jumped at the chance to wingwalk to support this brilliant charity particularly as we are now focusing on children.”

Currently, Ms Garsco has smashed her initial target of £1,000 with over £10,000 raised.

To find out more and support her fundraising, click here.

Are you an Ealing resident with a story to share? Or spotted something we should know about?
Get in touch with us by emailing: news@ealing.news or contact us on X @_EalingNews

SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TO THE EALING.NEWS NEWSLETTER

GET OUR GREAT NEWS, FEATURES, REVIEWS AND MORE DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX

SUPPORT JOURNALISM IN EALING

LATEST EALING.NEWS UPDATES

MORE FROM EALING.NEWS