YOUNG AND WISE CARERS TAKES OFF AGAIN WITH FREEDOM IN THE AIR
On 24th and 25th July 2008 10 young and older carers from Spurgeons will be taking to the skies for the day! The aim is to bridge the generation gap between the two sets of carers who look after sibblings or parents with a disability and to give them a day off from their duties.
With the aid of Freedom in the Air, Cranfield Flight Training , TA Aviation and Bedfordshire County Council, the carers will take off from Cranfield Airport. As well as being introduced to the basics of flight, the carers will be given a presentation on flying, a tour of a static aeroplane led by Terry Akeroyd, and a demonstration of the workings of the aircraft.
Spurgeons is one of the UK’s largest Christian charities working with children, young people and families. They want to see a world where all children and young people have hope for their future, the ability to make choices and are excited about the opportunities before them.From giving children in care in the UK a voice in their own future, to supporting AIDS orphans in Africa, Spurgeons exists to create opportunities for vulnerable children and young people to find hope and transformation now and fulfilment in their future.
There are a staggering number of young carers who struggle to look after younger siblings or parents who are unable to care for them due to a disability.
So the opportunity to take to the skies and literally discover a different perspective on the world is something which is hugely exciting to them.
The day of flight will enable the young carers to see and experience things which they would never otherwise have the opportunity to, firing up their imaginations, exciting their curiosity and giving them a sense of life beyond their inner world.
The day is being organised by Gautam Lewis of Freedom in the Air. Gautam himself a person with disability is a qualified pilot who has himself overcame significant childhood challenges. Having been abandoned as a baby in India after contracting polio, and cared for by Mother Theresa’s Missionaries of Charity, Gautam grew up with a determination to achieve in the face of adversity, which he is keen to share with the children.
Lunch will be served the form of a picnic surrounded by static aeroplanes at about 1230 and, in the afternoon, all our guests, accompanied by an adult, will, weather permitting, enjoy the pleasure of a short
The tour will then conclude with ‘meet the controllers’ in the tower.
Freedom in the Air is all about what aviation can do to expand disabled peoples horizons and realise their talents and dreams through pilot training. Learning to fly is great way of sharing the fantastic experiences that you can only see and enjoy through aviation. It’s a privilege to be able to introduce a disabled person to the freedom of flight and the boundless possibilities it offers up.
Cranfield is well known for its interesting history as well as its convenience for London and the South Midlands. Cranfield RAF Station Headquarters opened on 1 June 1937 , and the aerodrome on 1 July, under the control of No 1 (Bomber) Group.
The day will be organised as a fun day for the carers and it is hoped to see many smiles.
