Care home residents are flying high

Three residents at Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court, in Wokingham, travelled to Blackbushe Airport, in Surrey, for an experience they will never forget. Accompanied by Sharon Fletcher, one of the Home’s Activities Coordinators, each one enjoyed a life-changing 30-minute flight.

Residents Tony Newman (80), Les Langley (84) and Bryan Adams (87), who is in a wheelchair, explored the local area from the skies, marvelling at the views of Surrey’s rolling hills and majestic woodlands.

Asked about why he wanted to embark on this adventure, Les Langley said: “I like to try different things. However, I never thought that at this stage of my life, being 84 and with just one leg, I would be able to experience this.”

He then added: “But, even though I have a disability, that will never hold me back!”

Tony Newman remarked: “I just want- ed to show my wife and my daughters that I am still an action man. Age will not stop me!”

And Bryan Adams said: “Many years ago, I went up in a light aircraft flown by a colleague, who still visits me from time to time. I can’t wait to tell him about this.

He added: “I also wanted to see the world from a different perspective.”

Sharon Fletcher, determined to support the residents’ wellbeing at Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court, came up with this thrilling idea when she was walking with her grandson around the area where Blackbushe Airport is located.

“My grandson is fascinated by aeroplanes, so we watched the planes taking off and landing. It then popped into my mind immediately, ‘What a fantastic experience a flight would be for the residents!’”

The activities coordinator discussed the idea with the residents, who virtually jumped at the chance. Sharon then applied for three flight scholarships at the local airfield and, miraculously, she was awarded all three.

Aerobility, the organisation that grants flight scholarships, is always inundated with applications from people who have a disability, so the residents were naturally astonished when they received the good news.

Sharon Fletcher said: “I am so delighted the residents had a fun day. I am extremely proud of them all, having the courage and determination to try something new, no matter the age or disability. They are true gents.

Abigail Cranston, the home manager at Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court, added: “This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for our residents who took part. We were absolutely thrilled to be able to experience this and are very grateful to Aerobility for organising this event. Up, up and away!” sworn into becoming members while Iszi Lawrence took the audience on a swashbuckling adventure through history in her book Blackbeard’s Treasure.

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