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Ilkley’s Daredevil Grandma completes two aerobatic wing walks in one day

Monday, 17 August 2026 at 11:16

Valerie Appleton.

Ilkley’s 82-year-old “Daredevil Grandma” Valerie Appleton has taken to the skies once again.

Valerie Appleton completed not one but two aerobatic wing walks in a single day to raise money for Operatic House.

Valerie, who is well known for taking on daring challenges for charity, travelled to Leeds East Airfield for her latest adventure, where she completed an aerobatic wing walk featuring high-speed manoeuvres, loops and rolls.

The challenge was raising money for Operatic House, the historic home of Ilkley Musical Theatre Society (IMTS) on Leeds Road.

The Grade II-listed building is much more than a rehearsal space, providing a community hub for IMTS, That Sing Thing, Outside the Box music group, Charlotte Willis Dance Academy and Joze Dance.

The building is in need of repairs, maintenance and improvements, including a new kitchen, storage and redecorating.

Valerie is closely connected to the building herself, continuing to take part in Ilkley Musical Theatre Society productions while also helping behind the scenes with set building.

Her latest challenge attracted plenty of support from the local theatre community, with more than 24 members of IMTS joining her at Leeds East Airfield.

There was also television coverage, with Look North attending to film and interview Valerie.

She also spoke to Radio Sheffield live by telephone at 7.15am on Saturday morning, with a further follow-up planned.

And, in true Daredevil Grandma fashion, the day didn't quite go according to plan.

After completing her first flight, Valerie returned to the ground to debrief, collect her certificate and receive the video of her wing walk.

However, there was a problem the video had jammed before take-off.

After speaking with the pilot, Valerie was offered the chance to go back up.

So she did.

The 82-year-old completed a second aerobatic wing walk, experiencing the speed, noise and height of the aircraft once again as it climbed high enough to perform loops and rolls.

Valerie said the experience was “amazing”, describing it as very fast and noisy, with the aircraft climbing high to allow the aerobatic manoeuvres.

It is just the latest in a string of extraordinary challenges undertaken by the Ilkley grandmother.

In 2022, Valerie completed a wing walk in aid of LS29 Special Needs Support Group, before marking her 80th birthday the following year by abseiling from the East Stand at Elland Road in aid of Yorkshire Cat Rescue.

Now, having completed two aerobatic wing walks in one day, Valerie is already looking towards her next challenge.

She revealed that her pilot, Martyn, has promised to work out even more manoeuvres for her next adventure.

Meanwhile, Valerie's fundraising efforts are helping support the future of Operatic House and the many community groups and performers who use the building.

IMTS previously said:

"Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help us preserve this unique community space.

"If you're unable to donate, please consider sharing our fundraiser with your family, friends, and colleagues.

"Let's all get behind our "Daredevil Grandma" as she takes to the skies once again.

Together, we can ensure this historic building remains a thriving home for theatre, music, singing, dance, and our whole community.

"Thank you for your generosity and support."

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