There are not many Usk residents, aged 85, who are learning to fly a helicopter as a means of coping with the challenge of incurable liver cancer. Well, Bob Purvis is such a man - what a man.

Bob's roots in Usk go back to the mid-1850's when his maternal grandparents bought The Laurels, one of Usk's oldest houses  going back to the 16 Century. Bob was born and brought up at the Rhadyr near Usk where his late father was Principal of the Monmouthshire College of Agriculture - now Coleg  Gwent.

Bob is learning to fly the Robinson 22 Helicopter. His flying Instructor is CaptainAlan Ramsden, who is Chairman and the owner of Tiger Helicopters Limited at Shobdon in Herefordshire. He has spent over 8,000 hours teaching people of all ages to fly helicopters.

During his first training flight, Bob learned how to fly the aircraft from Shobdon to Hereford, to control it in forward flight and then on return to Shobdon, how to hover. He has another 44 hours to accomplish, of which 10 hours has to be solo so that he can achieve his Helicopter Licence.

Tiger Helicopters are offering a free Air Experience Flight to  anyone who is seriously interested in learning to fly helicopters and is willing to go to Shobdon to have a guided tour and a pilot briefing at the school.

Bob has decided to raise funds for St David's Hospice Care, please support this wonderful effort by making a donation here.

Hospice Care

Hospice care offers reassurance of round-the-clock expert care, in a friendly, welcoming environment for those who are living through a life limiting illness.From managing someone's pain, to looking after their emotional, spiritual and social needs, hospice care supports the whole person, helping them to live their life to the full.

www.stdavidshospicecare.org