When seeking to raise funds for new seating in the church Fr Jim Mulligan, parish priest of St Paul’s, Harefield, unsurprisingly looked to the celestial for inspiration. His method of fundraising, however, was far from typical as Fr Jim decided to wing walk the span of a World War Two Boeing Stearman biplane, to help the parish reach the target.
The feat, on the 25 July, took place at Chiltern Park Aerodrome in Oxfordshire. Fr Jim had raised over £2,000 by the end of July, helping the parish on their way to the £14,000 target.
Fr Jim had previously reached for the skies in fundraising efforts, raising money for St Mary’s Hospital Chapel, Paddington, from a 12,000ft parachute jump.
After the flight Fr Jim spoke of how relieved he felt and said to the parishioners who had come along to the aerodrome to support me. "Wow! That would be hair-raising - if I had any hair!"
If you would like to support Fr Jim, please email: harefield@rcdow.org.uk
