Events and Air Smiles Days
Air Smiles Day 27th July 2010
Four very special children, three of whom had been patients at Bristol Childrens' Hospital, came to Cotswold Airport with their families for a day of adventure with fly2help.
The weather forecast was far from promising but the cloudy start soon gave way to sunshine. Incredibly, by chance, as if to herald the forthcoming thrills of the day a Jumbo Jet landed as Tom, Reece, Josh and Liam arrived with their excited parents, grandparents and siblings. Then the two helicopters flew in, arriving together outside the AV8 restaurant. Also lined up outside AV8 was a fleet of 5 beautiful Austin Healey classic cars ready to whisk everyone off for a spin around the airfield. David and Dave, the helicopter pilots, walked over to everyone from their aircraft to a cacophony of noise as all the smaller children were madly honking the car horns. Already we were all laughing and smiling.
After refreshments, and briefs from the pilots, the flying programme began. Those that weren't flying straight away were given a drive in the Austin Healeys which were so kindly brought over for the event by the local Owners' Club. A convoy of grinning passengers snaked its way past all of us and roared off. First to fly was Tom and his family in Dave's Eurocopter. The day had been kept a complete secret by his mum so imagine his joy when he found out that not only was he going for a flight but that he would be sitting up front next to the pilot. As Tom and his family lifted off into the sky waving at all below it was the turn of Josh, with his mum and gran, to fly off with David in the Long Ranger.
As the helicopters disappeared to do a wonderful tour of the Cotswold countryside the cars pulled up to get more willing passengers. In one instance a whole family went off in convoy much to their delight and amazement. When the helicopters returned Tom emerged grinning with his giggling sisters and mum only to then get straight into the classic cars. As a car fanatic this was a dream come true and even more special as Tom had just celebrated his birthday. Josh's mum also looked incredibly happy at having had such a fabulous experience with her son and mother.
Now it was the turn of little Liam with his parents and uncle in the Eurocopter, while Reece went with his family in the Long Ranger.
For anyone that had done flights and drives there was the opportunity to visit the Control Tower and the Fire Section. The children all loved wearing the special fire helmet and mask which made them look like The Stig from Top Gear! Amidst all the action there was time for everyone to relax with their families over a delicious lunch in AV8.
When at last everyone felt that they had done all the activities on offer we all congregated in the restaurant for tea and special fly2help cakes. A VIP guest came for tea in the form of Douglas Bear who then proceeded to present each child with a flight certificate and goody bag. This was the culmination of a day full of fun and relaxation for families that had been through so much over the last few years.
