Youngster’s first time flying in wing-walking display

A brave youngster’s first time in the air will see her strapped to the outside of a plane.

Stephanie Bain, who has never flown before, is delighted her first time flying will be so unusual.

The youngster is taking part in a wing-walking display to raise awareness for Help for Heroes, who help wounded and injured service men and women.

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Wing-walking is one of many items on Stephanie’s bucket list. If her nerves hold out while in the air, Stephanie hopes to go on to tackle sky-diving and bungee-jumping.

Stephanie will be joined by sixteen big-hearted locals and Renfrewshire’s Provost Anne Hall who will take to the air between Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 August.

Stephanie Bain said: “I’m very excited that my first time in the air will be on the outside of the plane. Most people would find that daunting, but I am thrilled by the idea.

“Last year, I drew up a bucket list of everything I wanted to do. So, when I saw Provost Hall was looking for volunteers to join her on a wing-walk, I just knew I had to do it.

“I’m really passionate about charity and I am keen to show my support for Help for Heroes. It’s particularly important to me as I have a few friends in the army and if anything should happen to them, I’m glad that Help for Heroes will be there to give them the support they will need.”

Renfrewshire Council aims to support and honour current members of the armed forces at the same time as we commemorate those who served during the First World War through our Renfrewshire Reflects programme of events.

A special service will be held on Monday 4 August in St Mirin’s Cathedral at 10:15pm to 11pm, the exact time that Britain declared war on Germany.

John Stott’s story

Stephanie’s passion and drive is something Andrewina Stott can relate to about her late husband, John Stott.

John joined the army aged 18 and was in the 15th Scottish division during World War Two. After the war, John served in the Army Cadet Force until retirement at age 65.

As one of the few serviceman in the Bridge of Weir branch of Legion Scotland, John did have a large group of comrades who were conscripted during the Second World War.

John was fortunate that he had good health until his later years and was able to be reunited with friends from his time in service in 1999 and 2004.

Andrewina Stott, widow of John Stott, said: “John’s life was the army and he was very fortunate to have had so long in active service. Even when John retired, his mind was very much still on the armed forces and he made three pilgrimages to Holland and Normandy to honour the lives of his fallen colleagues.

“John would have really appreciated the support Stephanie and the other wing-walkers are showing our service men and women.”

Author

Founder of Paisley.org.uk in 1998 and constantly strives to change peoples attitudes to the town, Brian is a self described Paisley Digital Champion who promotes Paisley via any means necessary. You can also follow me on X