ADVENTUROUS 74-year-old Tony will take to the skies with a thrilling blind wing walk for a charity close to his heart.

Mr Lawton from Reading is both deaf and blind but wanted to take on a challenge to help Reading Association for the Blind (RAB) who have helped him over the years.

He is taking on a blind wing walk on a 1940s Boeing Stearman biplane, at heights of 6000ft and 130mph in the air today at lunchtime.

Tony has dual sensory loss as he's been deaf since birth and went blind gradually from puberty from a defective gene, developing Usher Syndrome.

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He also suffers from severe hearing loss at 75 per cent but thanks to Apple technology and his smart hearing aid, he can hear people much more clearly.

Tony's black Labrador Hesta has also been a "lifesaver during lockdown especially" after helping him get out for walks during the pandemic.

High-spirited Tony spoke to the Chronicle ahead of his wing walk today and said: "I feel very excited, I'm not worried at all. I'm nuts and crazy and my guide dog Hester will be on the plane with me...I'm only joking she'll be watching from the ground!"

Over the past nine years, Tony has done various challenges such as sailing across the Southern Indian Ocean to Australia to see his daughter Sarah (with Jubilee Sailing Trust), cycled Coast to Coast on a tandem bike, completed a blind driving race course reaching speeds of up to 100 mph.

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He even took on a 13,000ft Skydive, abseiled off a bridge and an exhilarating zip wire experience.

His daughter Sarah said "he loves the thrill and energy!" so challenges like a wing walk is nothing new to him.

Tony added: "It all started nine years ago when my second wife passed away. I needed to get out of my comfort zone and do something so I said once a year I will do a challenge. I wanted to help Reading Association as part of my challenge to help them as they do a lot of good work for the visually impaired during lockdown.

"I haven't needed help from them. I'm very grateful that I am strong, well supported by people and friends and my attitude is to get along with it. My heart pulls out to them."

Inspirational Tony also has a great outlook on life and believes it is best to "just get on with it."

His daughter Sarah said: "Dad has always been adventurous. He is truly remarkable with his outlook on life, he is so high spirited and enthusiastic despite the day to day difficulties he faces. Everyday is a challenge which he thrives on.

"Over the last 2 years Dad has been unable to do anything due to Covid, so this year he is making up for it with a Wing walk for charity. He is hoping to raise £2,000 pounds for Reading Association for the Blind, which is a charity close to his heart."

Visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/TonyLawton1/1 to donate.