Events and Air Smiles Days
A Dream Flight with fly2help www.dreamflight.org
On Sunday 13th September 2009, fly2help
hosted another extraordinary adventure for a group of very
special families who so bravely believe that life is most
definitely for living!
Our clients for this event were the like-minded charity Dreamflight, who share fly2help's belief that smiles and laughter can be just as important as medical research and intervention for many families; especially for those who can't wait long enough for the breakthrough they need. Fun days like the 13th September can play an essential role in keeping a positive mindset.
For the third year running, with thanks to the enormous generosity and support of Freestream Aircraft, Gama Aviation and Bristol Filton Airport, fly2help were able to provide a thrilling day for all. fly2help would also like to thank GKN Aerospace, who, as new supporters in 2009, most generously sponsored the fuel required for the event.
This event fly2help
offered two trips per family in luxury executive jets, each
enjoying 30 minute flights, taking in the sights of the Severn
Bridges and the beautiful Cotswold countryside - for most,
this was their first ever airborne experience.
One aircraft carried the Dreamflight children and their new carers, allowing the doctors, nurses and physiotherapists to assess the child's needs when away from their usual support network, whilst also bonding over a shared adventure; but this day isn't just for them! It is of course, not only the children themselves who suffer the effects of their illnesses, often siblings find themselves 'on the outside' with lots of confusion of their own.
The second aircraft flew the siblings, along with their parents, awarding them their own chance to feel special too, ensuring precious and rare time together and sharing the fun of their own exciting experience.
Two fly2help
photographers captured the adventures and laughter for all
to treasure; precious memories of a very special day. The
smiles, bright eyes and squeals of enthusiasm were breathtaking!
Each child received a Goody Bag, full of gifts and treats to help them remember their day, along with personalised certificates signed by the aircraft captain.
Other attractions on the day involved aircraft model making and flying competitions, a magician, rides in the Filton Airport Fire Engines, time with the firefighters and a delicious lunchtime BBQ.
And finally, but by no means least, it was all eyes to the skies for a very special afternoon guest appearance by the world-renowned RAF Red Arrows Display Team; the final extra VIP sparkle that topped off an already unforgettable day.
fly2help
would like to offer their heartfelt and sincere thanks to
Alireza Ittihadieh of Freestream Aircraft Limited
along with Marwan Khalek & the team at Gama Aviation
for the provision of the aircraft; and also to Fiona Hooper
of GKN Aerospace for ensuring we had the
necessary fuel. We would also like to extend our gratitude
to Alan Haile, the Ops team, airport firecrew and all our
supporters at Bristol Filton Airport for
their invaluable time and support that ensured this event
was such a success!
Photos - Graham Kehily - www.bathphoto.com
Photos - Mike Rivett