A GRASSINGTON woman conquered her fear of heights and took to the skies in a glider to raise money for a cancer charity close to her heart.
After one false start, when her flight was cancelled because of the weather, Elizabeth Spencer successfully completed her challenge with The Yorkshire Gliding Club at Sutton Bank, giving her a bird's eye view of the Hambleton Hills.
Elizabeth, who was was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer in August, 2021, and who has monthly injections to keep her cancer stable, set herself a target of raising £4,500 for Neuroendocrine Cancer UK, and has so far raised more than £9,000.
Adding to her total is £535 raised at a quiz evening at The Devonshire Arms in Cracoe.
Elizabeth said it was touch and go on the day of her rescheduled flight as once again there was bad visibility - not what you look for when taking off in a glider; and in the end she had not one, but two flights.
"After lunch the clouds started to lift slightly and after a long wait they decided that they could fly us using their powered glider, this would be a safer option that day and would enable us to fly with the lower cloud," she said.
Once up in the air, she enjoyed it so much that on landing, she asked if she could wait and go up again in a non-powered glider - if the weather cleared up.
"I didn't feel I had done what I promised everyone," she said.
So, later the same day, she got togged up again and with parachute got into a non-powered glider.
"We were towed very fast by a plane across the top off Sutton Bank; it was very bumpy and were towed over the edge into a completely different world; there was no noise apart from the wind, and we soared like a bird, it was truly a wonderful experience.
"It was amazing and unbelievable; my challenge was happening and I didn't want it to end."
Elizabeth said she is overwhelmed by all those who have supported her in her challenge by donating to the charity.
"I am absolutely overwhelmed by everyone's kindness love and support, my total is still rising which makes me very proud and pleased."
Elizabeth's fundraising page is still open. To donate, go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/elizabeth-spencer-1720516797260
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