Popham and unsung heroes helping terminally ill kids

[4PON4PIN]

I learned from a friend who is a "Bus" driver with our company that he took part in an event at Popham last thursday that was based upon bringing "Dream Rides" for terminally-ill children.
Apparently this has been running for a couple of years, but I had never heard about it and I thought readers here should know about it. Mods may move this thread but (" that may affect our jobs or lives as professional pilots!!") maybe it will....
Some 250-300 children from various parts of UK, with Leukaemia, Cancer and other life shortening illnesses were treated to a day's activities of dream rides provided free of charge by a fantastic group of guys and gals who gave up their time and pennies to make a special day in a child's life (and obviously that of the parents).
There were flights on light a/c, helicopter trips, hovercraft trips, fire-engine rides, bus rides and then a group of so-called "Hells Angels" turned up, tattoed, moustachioed...... with spare helmets to offer their mode of transport for a ride.. FANTASTIC!!
My friend showed me an e-mail from the parent of one of the kids which he had sent the day after the event thanking the organisers and participants and it brought tears to my eyes. ( I won't quote it).
Another pilot said his farewells to a group of kids and said see you next year and a 6 yr old girl said that perhaps not as she wasn't supposed to be around next year!
May I ask that you all spare a moments thought in thanks to whomsoever/whatever you believe in, for the truly fantastic folks who gave up their time and expense to make such a special day, and don't forget a thought for the kids and parents themselves.

[ayrprox]

absolutely, in this day and age when aviation seems to make headlines in a mostly negative way, be it accidents, or security scares, it is good to see aviation professionals go that extra mile and give up their time and efforts for such a worthwhile cause. a hearty round of applause to you all
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[Fly3]

I would be very happy to make a contribution to help an event like this continue and prosper. Anyone have any details about how to contact the organizers ?

[cessna l plate]

Well Done All!
This is proof to what I have always said, that the people involved in aviation are truly nice people. Given that as already said, we only get negative publicity these days, perhaps either a watching journo, or someone who knows one might like to highlight this as a positive aspect of aviation for reporting.

I have always said that when I get my ppl I will join project propeller, and I stand by that 100%. But this goes even further.

[BOAC]

Not wishing in any way to decry a noble charity effort, but 'duty bound' to remind all that PPRune has so many 'charitable request' posts either posted or requested that a firm rule of not having such on the forums is in place.

May I ask that all details of this charity 'event' are exchanged by PM or email, and then there will be no restrictions. Regrettably if this thread develops into a 'charity' thread it will disappear - which would be a shame.

Thank you

[Whiskey Kilo Wanderer]

Not wishing to offend the Mods, or the principles of Pprune, I’ll just say that I was at Popham for the Starlight Day and made 9 flights.

It’s the second one I’ve attended and it’s great fun for the pilots as well as for the kids. I’ve no connection with the organisation, other than as a participating pilot. If anyone wants further info, please PM.

[4PON4PIN]

BOAC - with respect, please be assured that my post was not in any way intended (nor, I think, worded) as a Charitable request. It was intended purely and simply as a public acknowledgment of what people from different walks of life have done privately to bring a degree of happiness to others.

In any workplace, RECOGNITION is oftimes more important to the individual than salary/ status (not to all folk I admit, but oftimes!)

I have no doubt that similar ventures occur throughout the world, but perhaps in some places nobody has had that idea or put it into practice.

Whiskey K.W's post surely bears witness to the fact of how he/she felt about the event as opposed to asking for future support.

As you rightly state, if people wish to learn more then use p.m's, but please don't discourage folk from making comments. I don't think that any of the participating givers, would "appeal", but perhaps they may wish to share how it felt!

[kms901]

Well done to everyone at Popham. It's one of the nicest airfields anywhere.

Bet this is one of Dick Richardson's ideas.