Our Patrons
Phillip M H O’Dell CBE
Our Founding Patron
More about Phill
Phill O’Dell was until recently the Director of Flight Operations for Rolls-Royce plc.
He has flown a wide variety of aircraft varying from the Rolls-Royce Mk XIX Spitfire, via the Airbus A380, and the Boeing 787 through to the iconic Vulcan, XH 558.
Before joining Rolls-Royce, Phill was Office Commanding the Research and Development Flight of the Fast Jet Test Squadron at Boscombe Down in Wiltshire. He joined Rolls-Royce plc in November 2001, having completed 18 years in the Royal Air Force. During his time with the RAF, he flew the Buccaneer, was a flying instructor on the Hawk and flew operational sorties with the Jaguar. Whilst serving with the RAF, he attended the French Test Pilot School at Istres in Provence and flew over 25 aircraft from the F-14 Tomcat to the Airbus A320.
Since joining Rolls-Royce in 2001, Phill has contributed to a number of major development programmes and has flown the Airbus A320 family, the Boeing 777 with British Airways, the A330 with AirTanker, the Rolls-Royce in-house Boeing 747 ‘Classic’, Flying Test Bed and the Gulfstream G450. In the last year he has been the project pilot for ‘Project ACCEL’, Rolls-Royce’s all-electric aircraft the ‘Spirit of innovation’. This record breaking aircraft has recently become the fastest all-electric vehicle in the World.
Phill also flies the Rolls-Royce Heritage Flight’s Spitfire and flies at events and airshows across the UK.
Phill is the Founding Patron of fly2help and we are extremely proud to fulfil Phill’s vision and passion for aviation through our charitable programmes.
Air Marshal Sir Dusty Miller KBE
Former Senior RAF Officer and recently retired High Sheriff of Gloucestershire
A quote from Dusty
“There is nothing not to like about fly2help: their ‘Air Smiles’ programme, through the medium of aviation, generates and captures lasting happy memories for families facing darker times, whereas the ‘Aim High’ programme inspires and motivates young people from a range of backgrounds towards a career in aviation, both in the air and on the ground. I am immensely proud to be one of their Patrons.
The youngsters who join ‘Aim High’ are encouraged to throw themselves into the programme which I have heard described as ‘light touch work experience’ across the spectrum of activities that define the world of aviation.”
Mandy Shepherd
Military and Wildlife Artist
A quote from Mandy
“To be a Patron is a huge privilege and an honour and to be able to make a valid contribution in terms of my work and my time and to meet so many wonderfully courageous people and their families is the greatest reward”
Mike Ling MBE FRAeS
Blades pilot and ex-Red Arrows
Polly Vacher MBE
Trailblazing Aviator
Our Ambassadors
Lyn Hartman
Our Newest Ambassador
More about Lyn
fly2help is proud to announce the appointment of Lyn Hartman as a new Ambassador, opening the doors on the world of aviation to young people predominantly in the North UK.
Lyn became involved with fly2help when her mother, Joy Lofthouse, was Patron.
Lyn has worked in broadcasting, training and project management and had one flying lesson (so far).
Lyn believes that every young person should have the chance to chase their dreams and supports fly2help in its efforts to open up the aviation world.
Alice Butler
Commercial Pilot
Dr Jackie Bell
Imperial College London
Kim Lewington MBE
Our Trustees
Mark Knight
Our Chair of Trustees
More about Mark
Mark has been involved with the charity for many years and is passionate about its impact across the aviation landscape.
Mark’s own career as an RAF pilot flying Jaguars and Tornado led to a chance meeting with fly2help founder Phill O’Dell and that discussion has led to Mark’s many years involvement with the charity as both Trustee and Ambassador.
As Mark says “it’s clear fly2help makes a difference to people’s lives and I am determined to deliver a strategy that ensures fly2help continues to deliver strong beneficiary programmes in the future”.
Aled Griffiths
Commercial Pilot
Damunpal Kullar
Trustee
Joanna Knight
Trustee
More about Joanna
Joanna has been a fly2help volunteer for more than ten years, during which time she has supported Air Smiles Days and organised fundraising events. Joanna has over 20 years’ experience working in research, project and business management within the aerospace industry. She has recently taken on the role of Trustee.
Our Team
We are an incredibly small team here at fly2help but our reach is immense and we couldn’t do what we do without the support of our amazing volunteers. We are lucky to be surrounded by such passionate and creative people who allow us to fulfil our mission to open the doors on the exciting world of aviation to everyone.
Sharon Walters
Charity Business and Finance Manager
Julie Smart
Air Smiles Coordinator
Our Volunteers
“Being a female and coming from a BAME background, both largely underrepresented categories within aviation, I hope to work towards making aviation accessible for all. The charity has several fun-packed activities in partnership with schools across England, from answering general questions about becoming an airline pilot, engineer, air traffic controller to hands-on events involving airport operations.
As a fly2help volunteer I hope to spark a sense of excitement in relation to a career within aviation amongst the next generation.”
Maariyah
Volunteer Pilot