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
Ambassador
More about Lyn
Lyn Hartman as an Ambassador, is opening the doors on the world of aviation to young people predominantly in the North UK.
Lyn became involved with fly2help initially as a Trustee when her mother, Joy Lofthouse, was a 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.
Kim Lewington MBE
Ambassador
More about Kim
Kim has a strong background with fly2help spanning over 10 years.
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”.
Mark became a Trustee in 2023 and Chair in 2024.
Aled Griffiths
Trustee
Damunpal Kullar
Trustee & Finance
Joanna Knight
Trustee & Business/ Project Management
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 took on the role of Trustee in 2024.
Margaret Hilditch
Trustee & Education
Laurie Hilditch
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 to the exciting world of aviation for anyone who is curious enough to venture through them!
Carly Bauert
Charity Business and Programme Manager
More about Carly
Carly joined fly2help in 2026 after returning from an extended sabbatical in Australia. Aviation has always been part of her story — from her teenage years working on the ground team at Jersey Airport to travelling widely across the world.
For the past decade, Carly has worked within the charity sector, where she has developed a real passion for helping people and making a difference. She brings fresh ideas, enthusiasm and a genuine excitement for what lies ahead at fly2help.
Speaking about her new role, Carly said:
“I’m so excited to be joining such a wonderful charity. I already love the programmes we deliver and can’t wait to meet some of the people we support. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming, and I’ve been really touched by the passion that runs through the aviation community.”
Sharon Walters
Finance and Bid Manager