Events and Air Smiles Days
The Wall Family - Air Smiles Day 3rd December 2011
An absolutely perfect December morning dawned bright and clear as the Wall family arrived at Cotswold Airport , for what was to be a truly memorable day out together. Andrew, who was nominated by his mum Jane, was born with extremely serious health issues which have continued throughout his adult life.
He has faced, and overcome, life-threatening medical complications resulting in him having to learn to walk again. He also faces major surgery once more in the near future. Jane felt that her son had missed out on so many opportunities in his life and really hoped he would be able to have his own Air Smiles Event to help make up for this, especially as he is so keen on aircraft.
Following a warm welcome by the fly2help team in the AV8 restaurant, a fabulous Colombia 400 taxied up to the barrier in full view of the family at their window-side table. They were astonished to be told that this was 'their' aircraft for the day. Pilot and owner Mark shut down and came in to meet everyone. They were soon poring over the aviation chart looking at the route they would fly.
Andrew decided to fly upfront whilst his mum and sister Karen sat in the back. His dad Clive went up to the ATC tower to watch his family take off. The Columbia eased into the air and headed off to the Severn Bridges then Tewkesbury, where Andrew lives, and on to Stroud. After 45 minutes the aircraft descended in the overhead against the backdrop of a perfect blue sky.
A few minutes later its elated occupants emerged and grouped around the Columbia for a photo call with Mark. Andrew looked so pleased to have at last fulfilled a lifetime ambition! Now it was time for Clive to fly. As he disappeared into the distance to see Badminton from the air, the rest of the family retired to AV8 for a rest and a hot lunch after all the excitement. Clive soon joined them after his amazing flight and they all chatted about their experiences.
The day was far from over. Just as the last of their lunch was being eaten there was a roar of engines as 3 immaculate classic cars, driven by members of the local Austin Healey Owners' Club, pulled up outside AV8. Drivers Rob, Angela, Keith and Jim came in to meet the family and then escorted them to the stunning vehicles. After they had chosen which car they fancied driving out in, they were whisked away in a gleaming convoy for a zip around the Cotswold lanes. All the passengers returned with red noses, windswept hair and massive grins!
The wind was by now very chilly so all of us needed to 'defrost' ourselves with more tea before taking Andrew, Jane and Karen up to the ATC tower. This was the first time that they had ever seen an airfield from the perspective of the tower and they were fascinated to see some aircraft doing circuits.
Finally, it was time to say goodbye but not before Andrew was presented with a fly2help goody bag and some cute teddies were given to Jane and Karen. It had been a truly wonderful and fulfilling Air Smiles day for both the Wall family and all the volunteers.
Feedback from the family:
"I just wanted to write and say a huge 'thank you' for organising such an amazing and happy day for all of us today. It was so lovely to have a quality day together where everything was taken care of and we didn't need to worry about a thing. You thought of everything and somehow managed to book some fantastic weather too!! I know Andrew loved the day, the flight, the cars, everything. We all felt very special and it is a day that none of us will ever forget. We cannot wait to see the photographs and I cannot thank you enough for giving us all this opportunity and for allowing Andrew to do something he has always wanted to do. Please pass on our thanks to Mark, the pilot and for the team of Austin Healey drivers - they were so friendly and so kind to give-up there time for us."