Helping Wings, Jerseys flying charity, presented bursaries for flying training at an event held at the Jersey Aero Club on Friday, 4th March.
The charity’s chair, Eveline Hawkin, gave a brief introduction to the evening. The two awards were then presented by the charity’s patron, Jersey’s Lieutenant Governor, His Excellency Sir Stephen Dalton in front of an audience including many of the charity’s volunteers and supporters.
The first award for £2000 of flying training was given to Nicole Camacho. Despite suffering from macular degeneration, Nicole, a student at Granville School, has shown true determination and commitment in everything she does and is looking forward to making the most of her flying opportunity. Her award is sponsored by Ports of Jersey sponsors who were represented at the presentation by Jersey Airport director Robin MacRae and CSR Development Manager, Leanne Bass.
The second award for £2500 of flying training, sponsored by the Butlin Family Charity Trust was presented to Ant Lewis. Prior to suffering a stroke, Ant was assistant editor for the local newspaper, the Jersey Evening Post. Since then he has taken a leading role in the Jersey government’s disability strategy.
The Butlin Family Charity Trust was represented by Hugo Butlin and Karen Spence. Hugo’s father, Billy Butlin Jnr, was a former pilot for Jersey European Airways, and was a very active Vice Patron of the Royal International Air Tattoo-Flying School. The school was founded in memory of Sir Douglas Bader, training disabled people to fulfil their ambition to fly.
Both Nicole and Ant will complete their flying training in Jersey with Synergy Flight Training,
based at the Jersey Aero Club. They will fly either a 4 seat Piper Archer aircraft or a 2 seat Cessna 152 under the guidance of their instructors. Both Nicole and Ant have already started their flying with instructor, Ian Dyke, who has been involved with Helping Wings for several years.
Helping Wings is extremely grateful to both Ports of Jersey and The Butlin Family Charity Trust for sponsoring the bursaries which, through Helping Wings, will give Nicole and Ant an opportunity which they otherwise would not have had. Helping Wings wishes Ant and Nicole many happy hours flying and achieving their dream.
The main picture shows (left to right): Robin MacRae, Leanne Bass, Nicole Camacho, Ant Lewis, Hugo Butlin and Karen Spence.
