A DAREDEVIL charity fundraiser who wing-walked in aid of Cancer Research UK is part of a high-flying family of aerial thrill seekers.

Keighley worker, Chris Jackson, bravely stood on top of a biplane last month as it swooped above Breighton Aerodrome near Selby, and has so far raised £1,500 for his efforts.

The 58-year-old said: “It was fantastic – it was something I’ve always wanted to do and I loved it.

“I’d like to thank everyone who supported me, especially my colleagues at Marrose engineering in Keighley."

And that same aerodrome is where Chris’ dad, Bryan, has just started taking flying lessons – aged 85.

“I’ve always been interested in aircraft and wanted to fly, and it got to the point in life where I couldn’t think of an excuse not to do it, if that makes sense,” said retired motor mechanic, Mr Jackson senior.

“Last August, I was driving past Leeds Bradford Airport when I saw a sign offering trial flights.

“I just went in, waited half-an-hour and then went up with an instructor. It was so different and exciting I just loved it instantly – the bug bit me.”

Widower Mr Jackson heard about Breighton’s training flights and has so far had a total of 20 lessons in a Cessna 150 two-seater.

He added: “Obviously, I don’t pick things up as quickly as an 18-year-old and I don’t know if I’ll ever qualify as a pilot – I don’t think I’d really want to go up on my own.

“But I do take-offs, fly and do landings, which can sometimes be a bit bumpy.

“My favourite route is down the coastline from Whitby.”

Chris Jackson’s aunt, Sheila Wowk, is also an adrenalin addict – aged 78.

She said: “I took a Lamborghini Gallardo round a racetrack on my 73rd birthday, which was just brilliant.

“And when I was in Switzerland that year, I did a 25-minute paraglide from the top of a mountain.

“My latest thing was doing Europe’s longest zip wire in North Wales last summer. My son, Darren, took me there as a treat. It was beautiful – you’re suspended lying flat and fly down at 100mph face first.

“What I’d love is to be winched from a mountain or from a ship by a helicopter.

“Bryan’s also learning to sail. We’re a crazy family, we are.”