A DAREDEVIL pensioner who brought his undertaker to watch him do a charity wing walk has exceeded his fundraising target and is still receiving donations.

‘Young at heart’ Tom Wilson, 72, from Hartlepool, decided to raise money for three charities close to his heart after being inspired by professionals at the Sunderland Airshow.

Mr Wilson had previously undergone high-risk surgery after severe health problems nearly cost him his eyesight.

However, eight years to the day of his operation, he was surrounded by family and friends including his daughter, Anita Wilson, and undertaker, Apolena, waiting to be strapped to the top of an aircraft the same age as himself.

He completed the wing walk on Sunday June 3 at Breighton Aerodrome, Selby.

He said: “It was absolutely fantastic. I didn’t know that when it was airborne it would be so smooth. It was over so fast, I could have stayed up there all day.

“I didn’t do any fancy stuff, just a few manoeuvres in the air but it wasn’t until I got back home and looked at the photos that I realised how high up I was.”

He was flown around by a professional stunt pilot, Mike Denith, in a 1945 biplane which was used to train pilots in the Second World War.

Combining his past with his love for steam engines, Mr Wilson pledged to raise £2,500 for Hartlepool Blind Welfare Association, Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Locomotive Conservation and Learning Trust.

He has now exceeded his target raising approximately £3,100 and still counting.

He said: “It’s amazing how many people have been so good to donate. I would like to thank the people of Hartlepool for all their support.”

Mr Wilson is hoping to raise a bit more money through the raffle of three corporate-seat tickets to the Manchester United v Newcastle game at Old Trafford next season which includes refreshments on arrival and a chance to meet the players after the match.

The raffle tickets will be available at Mr Wilson’s favourite café, Dot’s Place on York Road, Hartlepool, as well as the Hartlepool Blind Welfare Association and Hartlepool Cricket Club.

He is also accepting donations on his online giving site and has set up a Facebook page documenting his challenge.

More details on raffle tickets and how to donate can be found at Facebook.com/wilsonwingwalks and virginmoneygiving.com/WilsonWingWalks