Event Update
Flight Of Hope took place on Monday 26th June 2006 under dark and meanacing skies. Possibly one of the worst days to attempt to fly over forty types of aircraft! Many aircraft where unable to make it to Shoreham because of the weather but despite that Simon flew thirty two different aircraft types! Believe me this was an achievement in itself considering the conditions and both Simon and Graham are extremely pleased!
Very soon you will be able to download a full quality film of the event, hosted by Brendan O'Brien. Just keep coming back to this site for more details. You can also still donate to Flight Of Hope and take part in the competition to win a holiday in the USA. Lines close at midnight on 31st July '06. The winner will be contacted the next day and announced on this website!
Flight Of Hope Ambassador
Liam Taylor
Liam is eleven years old and lives at home in Morden, Surrey with his parents, George and Carol and little sister Georgiana who is almost one.
He was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (the most common form of cancer in Children) in August last year and has since been receiving treatment. Although still being treated, Liam is in remission and doing well.
Simon went to visit Liam at home in May and asked him a few questions about himself:
S: Which Football team do you support?
L: Arsenal of course!!
S: Which sport do you like, other than football?
L: I like to play tennis and I enjoy swimming.
S: What TV programmes do you like?
L: Futurama, Friends and the soaps, Eastenders and Corrie.
S: What is your favourite food? (I thought he would say Pizza!)
L: Chicken and Mash Potatoes.
S: Where have you been on Holiday?
L: I went to Ireland and have been to Wales and I’m going to Euro Disney soon.
"Liam is a bright, happy, intelligent boy who is very much looking forward to helping us with Flight of Hope. It was a privilege to meet him and his family."
"He is particularly looking forward to flying with me in a Helicopter, a special treat I can’t wait for him to enjoy.""Liam is an example of the fantastic work that the people at CLICSargent do every day."
"Your kindness will make the event a success and help secure the future for many other children like Liam."
"Thank you so much."
Simon Drakeley
Liam and his Mother, Carol, flew with Simon from the Royal Suite at Heathrow Airport to Shoreham in a Robinson R44 helicopter. This was Liam's first ever time in a helicopter and Simon's second flight of the day having Commanded an Airbus A320 on the BMI BD581, Manchester to Heathrow, scheduled service flight earlier in the morning.