Employees from Howden’s Corporate & Commercial offices across the UK are preparing to defy gravity for a good cause, as they embark on a high-altitude fundraising mission in support of Maggie’s Cancer Care.

30 members of staff from the insurance group will participate in Maggie’s Wing Walk – an aerial challenge that involves strapping participants to the top of a vintage biplane and sending them soaring through the skies at speeds of up to 150 mph above a historic First World War airfield.

Among the brave volunteers is Deborah Barber, development executive at Howden, who will represent the company’s south Wales offices. Each participant is helping to push the firm towards an ambitious £40,000 collective fundraising goal, with Barber setting her own personal target of £1,000.

“I am incredibly excited and nervous to be taking part in this challenge,” Barber said. “Not only will we be flying high in the sky, but we’ll also be performing high-energy manoeuvres such as high-speed dips, dives, steep climbs, and 90-degree banked turns. But it’s all worth it to raise funds for Maggie’s.”

She added: “The work and care that Maggie’s provides to people across the UK is truly inspirational and that’s why I have chosen to set my own personal fundraising goal of £1,000 to maximise the amount of support we can give them. I look forward to taking on this challenge and to collaborate with our UK offices, and hope to inspire others to give what they can to this incredible cause.”

ESSENTIAL SERVICES

Maggie’s is a national charity with centres across the country, including Cardiff and Swansea, providing essential services such as support groups and stress management workshops for people living with cancer and their loved ones.

Gary Stevens, regional managing director at Howden, expressed pride in the initiative. “I’m extremely proud of Deborah for representing our south Wales team and taking on such a challenge for Maggie’s,” he said.

“The charity holds a special place in our hearts for a lot of us at our south Wales offices, and the work they do across Cardiff and Swansea especially is life-changing, so I’m delighted that we’re able to give back and amplify such an important cause.”

Donations can be made via Deborah’s individual fundraising page or the central Howden Wingwalking page, with all proceeds going directly to support Maggie’s work across the UK.

More information about Maggie’s Cardiff centre can be found at www.maggies.org/our-centres/maggies-cardiff.