Daredevil great-granddad celebrates 80th birthday by pulling WHEELIE

A daredevil great-grandad celebrated his 80th birthday by fulfilling his dream of doing a high-speed WHEELIE on a motorbike. Footage shows Peter Beechey lifting the bike's front wheel into the air as he hurtled down a runway at 70mph. The life-long petrol head performed the stunt to mark his 80th birthday when his family arranged for him to have a ride at RAF Lyneham, Wilts. The retired production manager had told his family he had always wanted to attempt a high-speed wheelie and it was even on his bucket list. He turned 80 on August 5 this year but his family arranged for him to perform the wheelie as a surprise last week. His two daughters, four grandsons, three great-grandchildren cheered him as successfully completed the daring stunt. Divorced Peter, from Worcester, said: “I always say riding motorbikes keeps me young and I’ve been doing it since I was 16. “Being able to ride a motorbike is the best thing you can do with your clothes on in my opinion. “Pulling the wheelie was an amazing, thrilling feeling and I’m so glad it was captured on camera so I can always treasure the memory.” The special day was organised by his family, including his eldest daughter Nicky, 53. She said: “Since my dad was 16, he has owned over 100 motorbikes everything from BSA Bantams to Yamaha R1s. “He was diagnosed with prostate cancer when he was 65 so he has been making the most of it and living life to the full. “On the wheelie day, it was lovely to see my dad doing what he wanted for his birthday. "He had told us before that he didn’t want any presents but if we wanted to get him something then a motorbike wheelie day he would love. "I had to clear it with the wheelie school as I was unsure if his age would prevent him doing it. "They were initially concerned as I imagine not all 80-year-olds are as able as he is and but after a chat about him riding a motorbike all his life and even still doing bike tours around Scotland and European ones when he could, they said ok. “At the wheelie day, they didn’t think he looked 80. "During and after the experience he was buzzing with joy and liked it so much he wants to go back to have another go soon. "It might have to wait for his Christmas present now. “A motorbike is always his first choice of transport. “Even in the rain, he’ll put his waterproofs on and still go out for a ride." Previously, for his 60th birthday, his family gifted him a car track day experience and he also completed flying lessons with his daughter Nicky for her 50th birthday. Peter is already planning his next challenge - an off-road adventure course in a 4x4.