Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No – it’s the flying estate agent

He’s become known as the ‘flying estate agent’ – and we can only salute James Du Pavey for his tremendous feat in flying from John O’Groats to Land’s End in a paraglider.

The daredevil agent, 35, who owns three-branch James Du Pavey in the midlands, described his mode of transport as a “parachute powered by a large fan and a lawnmower engine”.

His 745-mile journey was completed in 36 hours.

It is a new record – in 2011, a team from Flying for Heroes undertook the same challenge, setting the record at seven days.

He flew at heights of up to 7,000 sq ft, at speeds of up to 30mph, above terrain which was at times difficult and dangerous, and in conditions completely open to the elements.

In fact, the venture was so at the mercy of the weather that he was unable to say exactly when it would take place, only that it would be some time this summer.

It finally happened last week, when his 11 re-fuelling stops took in his own home, where he enjoyed a shower before taking to the skies again. There were also three emergency stops.

His extraordinary bravery has taken its toll. He said he lost his voice and got a chest infection.

The whole adventure was undertaken in memory of his first child, William, who was stillborn in 2014.

Du Pavey has so far raised over £20,000 for the Donnal Louise children’s hospice in Staffordshire, and hopes that his flight will bring in another £15,000. So far, the money stands at £10,430.

He paid all the costs associated with the challenge himself, to ensure that all money raised will towards what he calls “this wonderful charity”.

He told the Sunday Times: “The blood, sweat and tears were worth everything for the hospice.

“That place is so special and when stuff got really, really bad, genuinely it was what got me through this.”

If you want to donate: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/james-du-pavey1

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4 Comments

  1. Will2

    Congratulations and well done.

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  2. Countrybumpkin

    Fantastic and from the heart

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  3. Stuartb

    7000 sq ft !…..  Even on a holiday Monday I can’t get away from the office..:-)
    Superb achievement…

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  4. GeorgeOrwell

     

    Kirk to Enterprise?

    What the f@ck was that Scotty?!!

     

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