Oriana Pepper was born on 11 February 2000, she and her twin brother, Oscar were 7 weeks premature and Oriana weighed 2lb 8oz. Oriana had to fight for her life in these early weeks and her parents are eternally grateful to the staff at both Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds special care baby units.

Oriana went on to thrive despite obstacles being put in her way. However problematic these obstacles were she used her determination to find a way around them.

As a young teenager Oriana decided she wanted to be a commercial pilot and after completing her A levels she joined a flight training school, having been selected by Easyjet. Oriana worked hard and passed all her theory exams with excellent marks. She then travelled to Pheonix, Arizona where she completed her private pilots licence and her Commercial Pilots Licence. In May 2021 she travelled to Antwerp, Belgium to carry out her instrument rating.

In July 2021 Oriana was taken ill with an infection and she passed away on 12 July with her adoring parents by her bedside. She was aged just 21.

Her parents want to be able to help the local hospital where she was cared for as a premature baby and also to give aspiring female pilots who may not have the means to realise their dream.