Flying Nun – 75 year-old Tipperary nun to take leap of faith with birthday skydive

Sister Patricia Wall is no ordinary nun. In the most dramatic leap of faith possible, she is planning to celebrate her 76th birthday with a charity skydive.

By Declan Whooley

Most people would prefer to celebrate the landmark birthday with something a little more relaxed, but the Thurles native is planning to take a 10,000 feet drop to raise money for AWARE and the Slieveardagh Rural Development.

Dubbed the ‘Flying Nun’, she is hoping to raise up to €150,000 for her dive in May and says that the easy part will be jumping out of the plane.

“I think the easiest part will be the skydive itself – all these interviews and making a show of yourself will be the hard part,” she told The Mirror.

The nun has been a member of the Presentation Order since she was 17 and says that she wants to highlight some important issues in rural Ireland.

“I’m working in a rural area where there is a lot of isolation and an increase in depression and suicide.”

Sister Patricia tries out her skydiving gear for size

After receiving medical clearance, Sister Patricia says she can’t wait for the big day in May.

We have to say fair play to Sister Patricia, a brave and heart-warming idea to raise awareness over subjects that have often been taboo in the past.

Check out ‘The Flying Nun’ Facebook page to lend your support.

Pic credit: Isad Clonmel/Aoife Mangan