Cure Usher Wing Walk
Sat 17th & Sun 18th 2027
This July, Cure Usher Syndrome invited a select group of fearless supporters to experience the thrill of a lifetime — strapped to the wing of a flying aircraft at 100mph , a 1000 ft in the sky— all to help fund urgent research protecting sight in deaf children.
This flagship event launched with Mark Jordon and cast members from Emmerdale , creating a high-profile day of courage, awareness and life-changing fundraising.
Every pound raised helps drive vital research into Usher Syndrome — a rare genetic condition that causes children born deaf to gradually lose their vision.
HOW TO
Participants will experience the thrill of standing on the wing of a historic Boeing Stearman aircraft, safely secured while flying at speeds of up to 100mph.
This unforgettable challenge takes place under the guidance of experienced pilots and professional crew from Ethel Dares Wing Walking.
1.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Pay a £100 deposit directly to the wing walk provider (Ethel Dares) to secure your flight, below.
2.
COMMIT TO RAISING A MINIMUM OF £500 FOR CURE USHER SYNDROME
Participants are responsible for ensuring the wing walk fee if fundraising efforts or personal payment if fundraising milestones are not met.
Once registered, participants will receive guidance and support from the Cure Usher team to help with fundraising.
FUNDRAISING MILESTONES
Cure Usher has introduced tiered fundraising rewards to support participants who go the extra mile.
RAISE £500
Your place in the wing walk is confirmed. If fundraising remains at this level, participants will be responsible for covering the remaining wing walk fee (after the £100 deposit already paid).
RAISE £750
Cure Usher contributes £200 towards your wing walk fee, reducing the amount you need to cover personally.
RAISE £1,000
Cure Usher covers 100% of the wing walk cost.
Every pound raised helps accelerate research aimed at protecting the sight of children living with Usher Syndrome.
Every pound raised helps accelerate research aimed at protecting the sight of children living with Usher Syndrome.
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If You Don’t Reach the Minimum Target
If the £500 fundraising minimum is not reached by the agreed fundraising deadline, participants will have the option to:
• Top up the remaining amount personally
• Transfer their place to another fundraiser
This ensures the wing walk company receives the agreed fee while keeping the opportunity open and fair for everyone taking part.
WHERE & WHEN WE'LL SOAR
WHEN
Participants will fly on one of the following dates:
SATURDAY 17TH JULY 2027
SUNDAY 18TH JULY 2027
Registration details will open soon.
Specific flight times will be confirmed closer to the event once participant numbers are finalised.
Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-confirmed basis.
WHERE
LEED EAST AIRPORT
Church Fenton,
Leeds,
LS24 9SE
BOOK YOUR SPOT & SAFETY
REGISTRATION FOR 2027 WILL OPEN SOON
To begin the registration process, please complete the wing walk provider registration form using the link below.
Once your deposit is received, your provisional place will be secured and the Cure Usher team will be in touch to help you begin your fundraising journey.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Usher Syndrome is a rare genetic condition that causes children born with hearing loss to gradually lose their vision.
Cure Usher Syndrome is the only UK charity directly funding research aimed at stopping that vision loss.
By taking part in this incredible challenge, you are helping bring us closer to treatments that could change the future for children and families living with Usher Syndrome.
Thank you for considering this extraordinary challenge.
Wing walking is operated by professional pilots and experienced crew who specialise in these flights.
All participants will receive a full safety briefing on the day and will be securely harnessed to the aircraft using specialist equipment designed specifically for wing walking.
Participants must meet basic health and safety requirements set by the wing walk provider, which will be confirmed during registration.
• Height: although we say below 6′ 3″, this is not 100% rigid as it’s only a guide figure – there’s no official height limit, but we want to be sure the harness system comfortably fits somebody at the max. weight (200lbs) that is tall. If somebody is taller, but slimmer for instance, this would still likely be ok but I’d recommend you check with myself on a case by case basis.
• Weight: this is as stated (max. 200lbs / 14st 4lbs) and is fixed as it’s linked to the structural limitations of the ‘rig’ seat your fundraisers sit in. This also has to take into account clothing worn for the flight.
• Fitness: on the fitness side, there are 2 lists to check against. 1) a list of conditions that will unfortunately exclude a person from wing-walking for reasons of safety. 2.) a list of conditions that will require a person to seek further guidance from a medical professional before they fly. A good majority of participants will likely be able to sign themselves off as fit on the day of the flight, but there are directions as to what to do if more paperwork is required.
DONATE & SUPPORT
Currently, there is no cure for Usher Syndrome.
Your generous donations are helping to find a cure for Usher Syndrome, as well as supporting people with Usher Syndrome & their families.
You can donate and support us through various methods including: JustGiving, Enthuse and direct via Bank Transfer.
Thank you again for all of your support.
The Cure Usher Team.