A dedicated Mountbatten Hospice volunteer who is approaching her 90th birthday is preparing to take to the skies in a microlight flight to raise money for the Isle of Wight charity that has been close to her heart for the past decade.
Toni Goodley will take off from Sandown Airport at 11:00 on Saturday 15th August in a sponsored microlight flight, hoping to raise as much money as possible for Mountbatten Hospice.
The challenge marks Toni’s upcoming 90th birthday and continues a tradition of celebrating milestone birthdays with extraordinary fundraising efforts. When she turned 80, she completed a sponsored skydive, although she says that having undergone 2 hip replacements since then means another skydive is no longer an option.
Instead, she has chosen a microlight flight – proving that age is no barrier to supporting a cause she cares deeply about.
Toni has volunteered with Mountbatten Hospice for the past 10 years, working in the Finance Department where she counts donations received from fundraising events, shop yellow tubs and members of the public.
Speaking about her volunteering role, Toni says she enjoys the welcoming environment as much as the work itself.
Toni has said:
“There is always a very nice friendly atmosphere and everyone is very helpful – plus it keeps my brain active!”
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Determined to remain as active as possible, Toni attends the gym and Aquafit sessions at Medina Leisure Centre 3 times a week.
Following bilateral hip replacement surgery around 3 years ago, she sought advice from her physiotherapist, who encouraged her to begin gym-based rehabilitation. She has now been following a structured 1½-hour workout for around 2½ years before heading to her Aquafit class, and believes she is the oldest member using the gym.
Away from her volunteering and fitness routine, Toni has led a varied and active life. After leaving school she joined the Women’s Royal Air Force before later working as a dental nurse, and subsequently in banking and insurance. After moving to the Isle of Wight, she also spent time working as a gardener in the village where she lived.
She has also been involved with the Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society for half a century, serving as Secretary for 17 years and continuing as Membership Secretary, a role she has held for the past 27 years.
Now living at The Lawns retirement apartments in Fairlee Road, Newport, Toni says she has plenty to keep her busy.
Anyone wishing to support Toni’s fundraising effort for Mountbatten Hospice will be able to do so via her sponsorship page.
