ARDENT fundraiser for the new Okehampton Hospital Mildred Stacey had an uplifting experience at the Okehampton Show when for the first time, at the age of 82, she flew in a helicopter.
Mildred, who is also a long-serving member of the Torridge and West Devon Conservative Association, is still on Cloud Nine after her experience.
'I still feel the excitement and will never forget it,' said Mildred who has not been very well recently.
Trident Helicopters from Kent was running helicopter flights all day at the show and once Mildred indicated how much she would love to go up, her wish was granted by MEP Giles Chicester.
Dressed in her usual Okehampton Hospital Appeal supporters outfit the octogenarian took her place on board to enjoy the panoramic views of Okehampton and Dartmoor.
'It was out of this world and I was waving like made to my friends who had gathered below,' she said.
'I want to thank Giles and all the people who helped make August 8 a wonderful day for me.'
With Mildred's help the Okehampton Hospital stand at the show made £300 by selling tickets for a balloon race to be held at the official opening of the hospital on February 14 next year.
President of the Torridge and West Devon Conservative Association Geoffrey J Cleverdon, CBE, said Mildred had been a tremendous worker for the Conservation Party and the Okehampton Hospital Appeal.
'She formed the Petrockstowe branch of the Torridge and West Devon Conservative Association and was secretary before coming to Okehampton,' he said.
'She works very, very hard and is a wonderful character. One of her specialities being her baking and her iced fruit cake in particular.'
Mr Cleverdon said everyone thought the world of Mildred who was the life and soul of the party.
'She thoroughly deserved this treat,' he said.