To mark 100 years of scouting in Wales, lifelong Scout volunteer Gill Clay will be taking to the skies on Thursday 26 June 2025 – strapped to the top wing of a biplane, flying at 150mph and performing loop-the-loops – all to raise money for grassroots Scouting in Wales.
As if that wasn’t enough, Gill will be undertaking the wing walk just a few days after her 88th birthday! Gill, who has been involved in Scouting for more than 40 years and holds the prestigious Bronze Wolf award, is aiming to raise £10,000 through her sponsored wing walk in aid of ScoutsCymru.
The money raised will go into the newly named ScoutsCymru Youth Adventure Fund, supporting youth-led projects and adventurous activities across Wales. The fund will be managed through ScoutsCymru’s existing Youth Shaped grant scheme, which empowers young people to lead the change they want to see in their local groups.
Gill’s wing walk will take place Rendcomb Airfield near Cirencester. It’s not her first time in the air – she previously completed a wing walk in 2023 – but this time, the plane will include daring aerobatics including a stall turn, barrel roll and the loop-the-loop.
Gill said:
“I love heights and I’m thrilled to be doing this again – especially the loop-the-loop, which I may find challenging! Scouting in Wales has given me immense joy for over 40 years and even the honour of naming a train. Through this fundraiser I hope to give back by helping more children, young people and adults enjoy the friendship, skills, adventure and sense of purpose that Scouting brings.”
Rhian Moore, Chief Volunteer Wales, said:
“Gill is a true force of nature and a shining example of what Scouting stands for. Her passion, positivity and generosity are infectious. This fund will help young people across Wales create and lead their own adventures – the perfect legacy from someone who continues to lead by example.”
If you’d like to support Gill’s wing walk and help young people in Scouts across Wales, you can donate at: shorturl.at/2cewc
