Within Britain there are over 6 million full time carers, but the work of this forgotten army goes unpaid. Yasmin has been dedicated to gifting many lives with unconditional love and support. Looking after her stepdaughter who suffers from muscular dystrophy took up a lot of time and energy, but Yasmin’s support and commitment to care for those less fortunate did not stop there. In search for other children who have disabilities, with a vision to set up a centre which provides respite care. Yasmin launched Friends of Bright Eyes as a voluntary charity. With minimal funds it was very difficult to keep the charity operating. A wife, mother and full time carer, Yasmin never looked back, always went that extra mile to help and 14 years later the charity which Yasmin started at home, now accommodates for over 50 children a week.

The hugely popular Freedom Wings days are designed to give youngsters with disabilities what is very often their first experience of flight in a light aircraft. Just to see the expressions on the children’s faces is evidence enough of the enjoyment and satisfaction they get from this new experience and their pleasure also guarantees a happy day for the whole family. We try, when possible, to ensure that brothers and sisters and parents get the opportunity to fly together at these events when their involvement is instrumental in siblings also having this exciting opportunity, Freedom is definitely “key”.

Variety Club the children’s charity in association with Freedom in the Air and Cranfield Flying School this week selected  the first young person with a disability  for a unique scholarship that will allow a young person to achieve a National private pilots licence (NPPL) over the summer holidays.

Shelbi Grist (17) suffers from McCune Albright Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder as well as Polistic Fibres Displacia, a rare bone disease and Focal Nodular Hyperplacia, a liver complaint.  Even though Shelbi has a rafter of disabilities she has never let this stop her fulfilling her dreams and is currently activity involved in sport having received her National Diploma of Sport and is in a national wheelchair basket ball team while in full time education studying Sports Therapy. Based in Portsmouth, Shelbi travels all over the UK to play basket ball and will be attending her pilot training twice a week for the next 10 weeks.

Based in Cranfield Airport near Milton Keynes, the scholarship was open to all young people between the ages for 17 – 19 with the primary aim to simply enable disabled young people the opportunity to realise their full potential through the pleasure and thrill of flying. After many weeks of searching for the right candidate Shelbi Grist was selected.

Shelbi will complete over 40 hours of dual and solo flying as well as intensive exams to achieve her National Private Pilot’s Licence which will give her full command of an aeroplane and in doing so change her life.

The programme has been funded by Freedom in the Air, Cranfield Flying School, Pooleys Flight Equipment and the De Vere Venues, part of the De Vere Group/MWB who have to date raised over £1.3m on behalf of the Variety Club through staff fundraising and corporate events.

Keith Andrews Chairman of Variety At Work commented “I am so proud to be able to offer this unique opportunity to such a fantastic candidate. I would like to thank Gautam Lewis at Freedom in The Air and all the pilots at Cranfield for making this a reality for Shelbi. Huge thanks to Freedom in the Air, Cranfield Flying School and De Vere Venues for funding this scheme. We wish Shelbi good luck.”

FITA founder Gautam Lewis, who uses crutches after contracting polio as a child in India, wants to show people disability is not a barrier to achievement. As an orphan growing up in the care of Mother Teresa, he believes that his calling in life is to help others less fortunate and celebrate in the spirit that the sky’s the limit.

He said: “I thought maybe I should do something positive about supporting disabled people, help them learn new skills and push them to a new level of confidence so that they can have opportunities.

“It’s trying to show what we can do regardless of disability.”

Together we intend to show that anyone can reach for the skies, and achieve virtually anything, sometimes with only the very smallest amount of support.

Monies raised will go towards our Freedom Wings project. Freedom Wings is a wonderful opportunity to introduce disadvantaged or disabled youngsters to the freedom experienced in the air. A day in a light aircraft, safely taking control of the plane for a short time is a life-changing experience and enables young people to feel that they can reach for the skies and achieve virtually anything. Flying is one of the few activities where disabled people can participate to the same degree as an able-bodied person.

Twenty youngsters from The Forces Children’s Trust (FCT) will have the chance of a lifetime to experience the freedom of flight, in the hope that it may expand their horizons when they attend the “Freedom Wings” day. FCT is a charity devoted to helping children whose father or mother has died, or has been seriously injured, whilst serving as a member of the British Armed Forces.  FCT is an agile charity providing support and positive experiences to children who have suffered a great loss. By participating in events like Theatre trips holidays with other children in a similar situation they can create their own way of moving forward.

Together we intend to show that anyone can reach for the skies, and achieve virtually anything, sometimes with only the very smallest amount of support. The pilots ‘one off’ flight could be as life changing for them as someone who flies every week and ends up with their Private Pilots Licence. Flight Lieutenant Owen Varley, a Puma helicopter pilot based at RAF Benson, and Trustee of FCT will be attending the Freedom Wings day.

FITA founder Gautam Lewis, who uses crutches after contracting polio as a child in India, organises the Freedom Wing day to show people that disability is not a barrier to achievement.

He said: “I thought maybe I should do something positive about supporting disabled people and those with complicated backgrounds, help them learn new skills and push them to a new level of confidence so that they can have opportunities.

“It’s trying to show what we can do regardless of adversity.”

Flying is one of the few activities where the uplifting experience rebuilds confidence and restores self-esteem, and thus empowers people to explore their potential by extending their personal boundaries. In the air, we all fly at the same speed; nobody is disadvantaged. The young people will look around a light aircraft and airport hangars, learn how aeroplanes work and then take to the skies for 30 minutes with experienced instructors.

The Freedom Wings pilots will get to take control of the plane and, in doing so, their lives can change. They are doing something that they never thought they could possibly do;  fly a plane. Then they start to imagine what else they
could achieve.

Freedom Wings days are great fun. We challenge, we educate, we empower. We use flying to raise people’s sights, expand their horizons and fulfill their potential. The day culminates in each Freedom Wings pilot receiving a personal record of their flight, together with a special log book provided by Pooleys and signed certificates as a memento of a very unique day.

FITA is a not-for-profit organisation based at Cranfield Airport and works in partnership with Cranfield Flying School (Flight Training Organisation, FTO 170), which is committed to opening horizons for people with disabilities so that they can fly higher socially, physically and professionally. For more information about both organisations

please visit www.freedomintheair.org / www.forceschildrenstrust.org
The day will be organised as a fun day for all and it is hoped to see many smiles.

To watch videos from the summer 2010 Freedom Wings days with over 150 youngsters please visit: www.freedomintheair.org/take-a-look/

On my way back to Heathrow I somehow couldn’t believe that all of this really happened. But it did, and I am extremely happy how everything turned out. Far beyond my expectations! It’s good to know there are people out there who make you feel confident and make things possible. Too many people in aviation just know standard procedures. Sometimes even people who should know better!

I already recommended your flight school to two other people. They might be interested in a FAA PPL conversion as well, sometime this or next year.

David is a great instructor. I went flying with some colleagues yesterday. I did the smoothest landing ever by just following his advise (be more gentle on the controls). Too many young flight instructors teach pilots to fly small airplanes “by the numbers”, which is wrong, I believe. I would definetly like to come back for some more training.

On 11 June 2011, Freedom in the Air (FITA) is holding its first skydive Freedom Freefall day. Supporters from across the country will join us at Peterborough Sibson airfield drop zone to take part in this amazing challenge and raise money for FITA.

Monies raised will go towards our Freedom Wings project. Freedom Wings is a wonderful opportunity to introduce disadvantaged or disabled youngsters to the freedom experienced in the air. A day in a light aircraft, safely taking control of the plane for a short time is a life-changing experience and enables young people to feel that they can reach for the skies and achieve virtually anything. Flying is one of the few activities where disabled people can participate to the same degree as an able-bodied person. The exhilarating experience rebuilds confidence and restores self-esteem. This, in turn, empowers people to explore their potential by extending their personal boundaries. In the air, we all fly at the same speed; nobody is disadvantaged or disabled.

FITA is very proud to be associated with The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows . The Red Arrows have generously offered a VIP Day for 2 (unfortunately they cannot fly the winners) for FITA to raffle during the Freedom Freefall fundraiser. The winners will get to spend time with the pilots, look around the airfield, learn about how the team develop their aerobatic displays and have a special day to remember for forever. This is an incredible prize and we cannot thank the Red Arrows enough for their support. Runner up prize draw prizes include a VIP Weekend backstage camping pass for two at V-Festival 2011. The final prize is a 30 mins ride in a aerobatic aeroplane doing loops and barrel rolls.

We have planned several Freedom Wings days for the 2011 summer flying season with organisations such as, The Forces Children’s Trust (FCT) – supporting children that have lost a parent whilst serving with the Armed Forces, Raiders Wheelchair basketball team, Northampton County Council Disability Services to name a few. The Freedom Freefall fundraiser will help us raise enough funds to be able to support 300 young people with disabilities the chance to have a flying lessons.

How to take part

Application Details

Contact us for a skydiving pack by filling or call 020 8740 8806, leaving your name, postal address, telephone number. If you’re ready to sign up, you can register on UK Parachuting website.

Date and Location

The skydive will take place on 11 June 2011, at Peterborough Sibson Airfield.

Cost

The minimum sponsorship amount is £300. While jump costs at Peterborough Sibson Airfield are approximately £170, and will be paid by entrants on the day of the jump.

Conditions

Participants must be 16 and above, those under 18 need parental consent. A medical form will also need to be completed.  Those under the age of 18 will need the medical form signed by a parent or guardian; those aged 40 and over will need it signed by their doctor.

Deadline

The deadline for booking is 20 April 2011

Skydive throughout the year

If you can’t make it for our Skydive day, you can also take part in the challenge at a location closer to you. UK Parachuting have several jump sites around the country and you can choose to jump throughout the year. All you need to do to take up this opportunity is raise the minimum sponsorship of £300. Contact us for more information.

Why skydive for FITA?

• You will be raising money for FITA’s vital work in promoting and creating opportunities for people with disabilities in Aviation.
• Help us cover costs of developing, manufacturing and distributing hand controls for pilots with lower limb disabilities.
• You will receive information about how your fundraising helps young disabled people through our Freedom Wings Project
• You will be supported by a dedicated member of FITA Team in the build up to your jump.
• You will receive a fundraising pack, with loads of ideas so help you reach your fundraising target.
• You will receive a free FITA T-shirt.

How your fundraising will help?

FITA works tirelessly to promote aviation for people with disabilities. Our practical programmes help introduce thos with disabilities to the wonder of flight and the boundless possibilities it offers. Your support is greatly appreciated. The sum you raise it will make a real difference.

Raise £90 and you could buy a flying experience flight for someone with a disability or from the underserved community

Raise £1,400 and you could sponsor a mini scholarship that would enable a disabled person to have 10 hrs of flying lessons – where they could get to fly solo if they pass 2 exams

Visit our partners UK Parachuting, who are co-organising the event.

Aaron competed in motocross for nine years until he had an accident in 2006 which left him paralysed. But this didn’t dampen his enthusiasm for sport and, in particular, motorsport. Initially following the accident Aaron took up wheelchair tennis, but his heart was still set on continuing in motorsport and after finding out that he could learn to drive a year earlier than able-bodied people, he started taking lessons.

He passed his driving test first time in May 2007 and two years later he became the youngest ever disabled person to be awarded an MSA National B race license.  FITA met up with Aaron again to see how he gets on with flying aeroplanes.

Freedom in the Air interviews people who we admire and respect to answer some questions. Not all our heroes are pilots by the way. We speak to those whose attitude’s towards aviation and disability is inspiring and motivating. We speak to people who can educate us audience, surprise us and are supportive of people with disability in aviation and the wider world.

Click here to watch and read other interviews..