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Diane and FSD

The Royal International Air Tattoo
Flying Scholarships for the Disabled
registered charity no. 1070281
in memory of
Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader
CBE DSE * DFC *

In 1983 the Royal International Air Tattoo inaugurated Flying Scholarships for the Disabled (FSD) as a living memorial to the indomitable spirit of Sir Douglas.  After losing both legs in an air accident in 1931 he persisted in his efforts, against all odds, to resume his flying career with the RAF.  He went on to achieve fame in World War II as a fighter pilot and gifted leader, pursuing his talent into a long and successful civilian career in aviation.

Throughout his life he was a dedicated supporter of physically disabled people to whom he set an outstanding example of courage and perseverance in helping them to come to terms with their individual disabilities.  Above all, Sir Douglas's love of flying is the inspiration behind this Charity.  It is this unique experience FSD aims to share with people whose lives are otherwise blighted by often painful and debilitating physical constraints.

The primary plan is to give disabled men and women from all walks of life the chance to truly challenge their infirmities and realise their full potential.  So far, over 200 disabled men and women have been awarded scholarships.  They have succeeded in rediscovering themselves through taking part and there can be nothing more rewarding to see than the renewal of energy and self-belief each scholar experiences.  The scholars have come from all over the United Kingdom.

In April 2000, Diane had the good fortune to meet several members of the British Women Pilots Association.  During dinner, some of them were discussing an upcoming event at historic Duxford airport which was to be a gala benefit for Flying Scholarships for the Disabled.  "Tell me more about this," Diane said to them.  It was explained that fellow member Polly Vacher was to set out on an around the world flight with the intention of raising awareness and funds for FSD.  It was mentioned that Queen Noor of Jordan would be attending the event as her late husband, King Hussein, had been a major benefactor of the charity.

American-born Lisa Halaby who became Queen Noor is a woman Diane has long admired, and this was the deciding factor.

"If I can get a good airfare, I will be back for that event," Diane told these fellow pilots.  The dinner and auction event was a once-in-a-lifetime event that Diane was thrilled to attend.  A charity combining disabilities with aviation?  What better organization for Diane to support?  Since that time, Diane has promoted and raised funds for the charity, with hopes to continue when an American plan comes to fruition.

Directly due to Polly's around the world flights to promote and benefit FSD, a similar program has been started in Australia , called Wheelies with Wings.  Other countries, including the USA , are potentially inaugurating similar programs.

Flying Scholarships for the Disabled
Douglas Bader House
Horcott Hill
Fairford
Gloucestershire GL7 4RB
telephone: 0870 800 1942
email: info@toreachforthesky.org
Select Airplane to go to the website for
Flying Scholarships for the Disabled

• Wings around the World 19 July 2003 - St Louis
• Wings around the World 20 July 2003 - St Louis - Day 2