Paris Smith is celebrating the high-flying efforts of Frank Prior, a Partner in the firm’s Family Department based at its Bournemouth office, who completed a wing walk on Saturday 3 October to raise funds for the firm’s three chosen charities: University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity, Sophie’s Legacy and Solent Mind.
Strapped to the top wing of an aircraft, Frank took on the exhilarating challenge while colleagues from across the firm watched from the ground and cheered him on. His wing walk forms part of Paris Smith’s wider programme of fundraising for three charities whose work supports people and families across the region.
Frank said: “I’m pleased to confirm that both I and the aircraft survived the ordeal. Looking down and seeing colleagues there to support me was hugely encouraging—although I suspect a few of them were mainly checking that I actually went through with it! Most importantly, it was a brilliant opportunity to raise money and awareness for three charities doing invaluable work in our communities.”
Supporting three important causes
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity enhances care and treatment at the Royal Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch hospitals. Funds help provide improved facilities, state-of-the-art equipment and support for NHS staff health, wellbeing and development, going beyond what NHS funding alone can provide.
Sophie’s Legacy was established in memory of Sophie Fairall and supports families whose children are in hospital. Its practical help includes food, toiletries, parent packs, transport assistance and family support workers, alongside campaigning for national improvements to the experience of children and parents in hospital.
Solent Mind provides mental health and wellbeing services across Hampshire, ensuring that people experiencing mental health problems have somewhere to turn for advice and support. Its work includes psychological therapies, wellbeing services, peer and community support, employment support and advocacy.
The firm’s fundraising efforts will continue in March 2027, when Senior Partner Stuart Allen will undertake a skydive in support of the same three charities—taking Paris Smith’s commitment to these causes to even greater heights.
Paris Smith is proud of Frank’s achievement and of the colleagues who went along to support him. The firm looks forward to continuing its fundraising programme and helping each charity make a lasting difference to people throughout the local community.