A man from Tyseley has gone above and beyond for sick kids after taking on a daring wing-walk and raising almost £1000 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, where he works.

37-year-old Stephen O’Loughlin has been part of the Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity team for almost five years and, as Grants Manager, it’s his role to manage and distribute donated funds where they’re needed most across the hospital.

Daily, Stephen is reminded how vital charity funds are to providing the best care, treatment and experience for the hospital’s young patients and with nearly half a decade of service under his belt, Stephen decided it was his turn to do more for sick kids. Stephen threw himself into the deep end by signing up to the charity’s wing-walk event.

Stephen said: “I’m no daredevil by any means – I don’t even like rollercoasters – but I see so many brave children going through tough treatment at the hospital, I wanted to do something that put me a million miles out of my comfort zone. I thought to myself, if they can be brave, so can I.”

As the challenge loomed, the nerves set in, but with donations stacking up on Stephen’s fundraising page he knew he couldn’t back down.

When the day finally arrived, Stephen was filled with trepidation, made worse by the wind and flakes of snow that had begun to fall, but with support from his girlfriend, Natalie, and the friendly wing-walk team who instantly put him at ease, Stephen began to mentally prepare himself for the ride.

Stephen continued: “As I was being harnessed up and strapped to the wings of the bi-plane I could feel my heart pounding, but there was no turning back and it was one of the best things I’ve ever done.

“The adrenaline rush from the turns and dives were incredible and as well as conquering a fear. I was so pleased to go above the call of duty for our patients, especially as I know what a difference charitable funds make.”

Miranda Williams, Head of Public Fundraising at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “Stephen knows all about the incredible work that goes on inside our hospital, so it’s no surprise that he felt inspired to get in on the action too.

“We couldn’t be more proud of Stephen. The incredible funds he’s raised will go on to help care for the 90,000 sick kids we treat at our hospital every year.”