A HIGH-FLYING pensioner has ticked an item off his bucket list by taking to the skies after winning a company competition.
Geoff Charge, 87, says he thinks he’s done it all after flying high above Essex in a glider.
Geoff is an ex-RAF aircraft design engineer.
Over the years, he has flown many aircraft but had never been in the cockpit of a glider.
The opportunity to tick the experience off his bucket list came when we won the Bringing Sunshine competition by Wiltshire Farm Foods.
The competition encourages customers to share an experience which would lift their spirits and makes them come true.
Geoff’s love of all things aviation began during the Second World War when as a five-year-old he cycled up to Wormingford airfield to see the American fighter and bomber planes.
Geoff, who now lives in Burnham on Crouch, said: “During my time in the RAF, I have flown almost every type of aircraft from vintage biplanes, and jet fighters to a Concorde plane.
“Two years ago, I flew a spitfire, as a birthday present to myself but I’ve never had the chance to fly a glider until now.
The ready-meal provider got in touch with Essex and Suffolk Gliding Club in Wormingford to give Geoff the chance to fly once again and make his dream come true.
He added: “I just like being up there looking at everything.
“Flying in a glider is certainly a much more peaceful experience compared with the other aircraft I’ve flown.
“The thought of being able to go anywhere in the world is exhilarating, fascinating.
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“As an added bonus my gliding flight was from the same airfield that I cycled to over 80 years ago.
“I never thought I’d actually win when I received Wiltshire Farm Foods’ newsletter asking to share what brings me sunshine.
“It’s another tick off the bucket list – I don’t think I’ve got anything left to achieve!”
John Broomfield, Manager of Geoffrey’s local Wiltshire Farm Foods branch, said: “It was an absolute honour to make Geoffrey’s wish become a reality.
“When we received his email, we knew we had to make the gliding experience happen.
“It’s not every day an 87-year-old wants to take to the skies.”
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