Gama helps www.fly2help.org and Dreamflight for the second year running! - 09/09/2008
Sunday 7th September, aviation charity fly2help, based at Kemble Airport in Gloucestershire, hosted a memorable event for a group of very special and brave families who believe that life is most definitely for living!
For the second year running, with thanks to the generosity and support of Freestream Aircraft, Gama Aviation, TAG Farnborough Airport and BAE Systems Filton Airport in Bristol, fly2help teamed with the charity Dreamflight to give children and their families, all of whom live with serious illness and disability, a day to remember.
Dreamflight is a national charity that supports life-limited, chronically ill and recovering children, by providing a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ holiday to Disneyland Florida later this year.
“Both charities share the belief that smiles and laughter can be just as important as medical research for many families. Fun plays an essential role in keeping a positive mindset,” said Mandy Pantall of fly2help
A fun-packed day at Bristol Filton Airportfor 90 individuals was centred around a luxurious flight in Gama Aviation's Learjet 45 business aircraft. It offered the opportunity for those who suffer pain, distress and disruption, often on a daily basis, to literally leave their worries on the ground, whilst laying any pre-holiday apprehensions to rest. The event marked the first and only opportunity for the children to meet their new nurses and physiotherapists before the trip to Florida. For the carers, this was their chance to understand the physical and emotional needs of the children they will be caring for; as well as to reassure anxious parents who will remain in the UK.
The generous provision of two Learjets allowed fly2help to offer two trips per family in the luxury executive jets, with ten 20 minute sorties from Filton, out to the Severn Estuary taking in the sights of the Severn Bridges and the Cotswold countryside. For most this was their first ever airborne experience.
One aircraft carried the Dreamflight children with their new carers only, allowing the staff to assess each child’s needs when away from their usual support network and bonding over a shared adventure.
On landing all the children and siblings were given a goodie bag, full of gifts and treats to help them remember their day, along with personalised certificates signed by the aircraft captain. Thanks to Gama Aviation, Hawker Beechcraft, Gulfstream, Bombardier, FlightSafety International and CRS Jet Spares for donating goodies.
Other attractions on the day involved a magician, aircraft model making and flying competitions, rides in the Filton Airport Fire Engines and time with the firefighters, a BBQ and as a grand finale - a stunning Spitfire display.
Dave Edwards, Gama's General Manager, commented "We're delighted to be able to support fly2help.org again this year. It's such an amazing charity, which allows children who aren't having the best time of their lives to enjoy a day away from everything and get to experience the joys of flight. It's truly rewarding for all the team here".
fly2help would like to offer their heartfelt and sincere thanks to Alireza Ittihadieh of Freestream Aircraft Limited along with Marwan Khalek and his team at Gama Aviation for the provision of the aircraft; TAG Farnborough Airport for funding the fuel; Alan Haile, Tracey Collins and all our supporters at BAE Systems Filton Airport for their invaluable time and support that ensure this event was such a success!