Wing walking for Mothers’ Union

Throughout this special anniversary year, members of Mothers’ Union around Britain and Ireland are engaging in various activities to fundraise for Mothers’ Union and raise our profile within their own communities. 

Maureen, of the Diocese of Gloucester, has gone above and beyond (quite literally) in her fundraising challenge. In May 2026, Maureen completed a ‘wing walk,’ taking to the skies over her diocese and encouraging her friends and family to sponsor her to do so. 

A wing walk is an aerobatic stunt where someone stands on the wings of an aircraft while it’s flying. Because of the conditions up there, participants need protective goggles and warm clothing, with speeds reaching up to around 130mph!  

Once she was safely back on the ground, we caught up with Maureen to hear more about her experience, and why her long-standing membership of Mothers’ Union inspired her to take to the skies. 

You’ve been a member of Mothers’ Union for 54 years. What do you remember about first joining Mothers’ Union? 

I was confirmed as an adult before our first child was born. At our church, St Christopher’s, a lady called June Knight told us about Mothers’ Union and inspired me to become a member just after my third child was born.  

I loved the Mothers’ Union prayer that highlights care for families and nurturing families, and I’ve met such lovely people over the years who’ve nurtured and encouraged me. From being an uncertain young mum, I’ve received support and encouragement from so many people who’ve kept me going over the years.  

On your JustGiving page, you wrote ‘We are not just about baking cakes!’ What do you wish more people knew about Mothers’ Union? 

I wish more people knew how it has evolved into the 21st century, and the amazing programmes and advocacy work we do globally. Here in Gloucestershire, we have links with the women’s prison, AFIA provides holidays for families, we knit clothing items for the premature baby unit at a local hospital, and our members provide refreshments for church functions. 

How did you get the idea of doing a wing walk? 

This is my second wing walk. I did one a couple of years ago and loved it. When I realised this year is the 150th anniversary of Mothers’ Union, I thought it would be a great opportunity to fundraise. My branch leader Pam Deighton and branch secretary Alison Neale have really supported me by sharing my JustGiving page widely. Alison has put a piece in the church magazine, and they’ve highlighted it to the diocese as well. 

What was the experience of the wing walk like? 

I was allowed to do more aerobatics this time because I’d done one wing walk before. We did loop-the-loops, corkscrews, flying past the onlookers on the ground – I just had to remember to keep my mouth closed! My friends say I’m very daring, but I don’t think I am, I’d flown inside an aircraft twice before and didn’t enjoy that. I think the pilots are braver than me, because standing on the wing must wreck their aerodynamics! 

Where we are in Gloucestershire, it’s a beautiful part of the country, and it is a privilege to be able to see it from the air.  

And finally: tell us about the Mothers’ Union bear who came with you! 

It’s our morning prayer bear, who accompanies us to prayer every morning. I take him to morning prayer in the churches I go to after my early morning swims on weekdays. I hope it’s a source of joy for any children in the church as well. 

 

 

Whether our members host a coffee morning, bake cakes, climb a hill, take over a Sunday service at their church, or strap themselves to the top of a plane, we take such joy in seeing how our members celebrate and share the work of Mothers’ Union. Fundraising ensures we can continue to carry out our work, reach more people and have a greater impact – and in terms of what you might do, the only limit is your imagination! On our JustGiving page, you can see how many members and dioceses have already embarked on a wide array of fundraising activities. We hope it inspires you to think about what you might be able to do in your community, too. 

If you’d like to donate to Maureen’s fundraising page, you can do so here: Maureen McBane is fundraising for Mothers’ Union 

For more information about getting involved in fundraising for Mothers’ Union, please visit our 150th Anniversary page, or email fundraising@mothersunion.org for more information.