Charity sees hospice families enjoying the 'magic' of flight

BROTHERS and sisters of youngsters suffering with terminal diseases were treated to a trip in an aircraft with the help of Flights for Life, a charity set up with the aim of providing seriously ill children, and their families, with the opportunity to experience the magic of flight.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Nov 2010, 22:13 BST
Updated 8th Nov 2010, 22:13 BST

The 15 children enjoyed a tour round the Wickenby Airfield museum in Lincolnshire, which holds a number of vintage aircraft, before taking to the skies in a 1940s Auster. In the afternoon, the children went to nearby RAF Scampton, where they met the Red Arrows.

Lynne Barnett, sibling support worker at the hospice, which is based in North Anston, near Sheffield, said: "It was fantastic to see the children flying high and we were very lucky to have brilliant flying conditions on the day. Although some of the children were a bit nervous before they went up, they all loved the experience.

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"Bluebell Wood cares for children who have life limiting conditions and aren't expected to reach adulthood. The hospice provides support for the whole family.

"Our siblings group allows brothers and sisters of a poorly child to spend time with other children who are in a similar situation to them, and gives them a support network of their peers to share experiences and emotions with. We'd like to thank everybody at Flights For Life, Wickenby Airfield, RAF Scampton and the Red Arrows for creating such an unforgettable day for the group".

Terry Rumble, from Flights for Life added: "We all had a great time and it was a real pleasure to take so many of the children flying. We look forward to working with the hospice again."

Related topics:Red ArrowsLincolnshireSheffield