Aerobility is a charity based around supporting disabled people experience the magic and wonder of flight. Based at Blackbushe Airport in Surrey, with additional locations at Lydd (Kent) and Tatenhill (Staffordshire), the charity helps over 1000 people living with medical conditions each year, including many military veterans. There are options for almost any disability too, whether that be an experience flight, ground experience day or taking part in the Virtual Aviation Experience - three hours of flying a model of one of our aircraft in a flight simulator alongside an instructor via a video call.

Having been interested in aviation for many years, I was introduced to Aerobility in 2018 by my grandfather, who completed around 40 hours of flying with the charity. The same year, I started suffering with mental health concerns, which had a profound impact on my life. In October 2022, I started to fly with Aerobility to improve my emotional wellbeing, and the impact it has had is truly phenomenal.

After my trial flight in one of the charity's Piper PA28 Warriors, I knew that becoming a pilot was my dream. As a result, I have continued my PPL (Private Pilot's Licence) in the PA28 fleet, and am now approaching my solo cross-country flight (commonly known as the QXC), before hopefully completing my licence before the end of the year.

Since becoming involved in Aerobility, I have seen first-hand the truly life-changing impact that the charity can have on people's lives. As a result, I have started volunteering with the Aviation Education Programme and the Junior Aspiring Pilots' Programme, designed for young people aged 12-18 who have disabilities, as well as outreach events such as Blackbushe Air Day and Farnborough International Airshow to promote the charity. I have also recently been appointed as an Ambassador for the charity.

Aerobility truly has a special place in my heart, and as a result, I will be completing Blackbushe Airport's Twilight Runway Challenge on Saturday 21st September, with a slight twist. I was asked earlier in 2024 to dress up as Wilbur, the charity's mascot, for Blackbushe Air Day, a role that I have continued to play at several events since. To really challenge myself, I will be completing the 3km challenge in full costume!

There are so many different ways that your donation could be used, such as to fund a scholarship for a disabled person who may not be able to afford an experience flight or their PPL training, or potentially contribute to one of our many projects.

If you would like to learn more about Aerobility, check out our website here!