Aston Down, Gloucestershire – 21 June 2025:
On Saturday, 21st June, a determined aviation team completed an epic Dawn to Dusk Challenge, flying around the entire coastline of the UK in a home-built, Van’s RV-7 light aircraft, raising over £3,000 for the aviation charity fly2help.
The flight launched at 04:45 from Aston Down, covering four legs with stops at Kirkbride, Inverness, and Southend, before returning to Aston Down at 21:30, just as the sun dipped below the horizon on the longest day of the year.
Undertaken in honour of the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE80), the challenge paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the WWII generation while supporting fly2help’s mission of using aviation to bring hope and inspiration to those facing adversity.
Veteran pilot Steve Noujaim and photographer Rhody Sims navigated 2135nm around the coast of the UK with precision and purpose. On landing, they were met with cheers and a champagne welcome from supporters.
“It was a privilege to mark VE80 from the air, and we’re proud to have raised such a meaningful sum for a charity doing vital work.” said Steve.
fly2help, based at Gloucestershire Airport, runs Air Smiles Days and Aim High programmes, bringing joy and opportunity to families and young people going through tough times, while helping to open doors into aviation for the next generation.
The team extends heartfelt thanks to all donors and supporters who helped make this flight, and its fundraising impact, a success.
To learn more or support fly2help, visit www.fly2help.org
Media Contact:
Sharon Walters
fly2help: Unit SE12B, Gloucestershire Airport GL51 6SP
Mob: 07791 709759
Charity No: 1119846