Home » Muscle Dreams » Nominate Programmes – Flying
The Muscle Help Foundation charity is keen to ensure that as many young people with muscular dystrophy across the UK hear about this opportunity and can either self-nominate or be nominated to participate in this year’s 2020 Flying Muscle Dream Programme at Farnborough Airport and then at Blackbushe Airport, taking place on: MON 22nd + TUES 23rd JUNE 2020.
Answer the one question below and tell us as creatively as you dare in either an amazing poem, 150 words, a little blog or a .30-SECS VLOG what it would mean to you & your family to be selected for this year’s signature flying programme.
QUESTION: How much would it mean to you to EARN YOUR WINGS by taking the controls in level flight but also experiencing a totally exclusive VIP insight into one of Europe’s most amazing private business jet facilities used by movie stars, music icons and the occasional footy team? |
Should any beneficiaries have a learning disability, Mums and/or Dads and/or brothers / sisters etc can of course and indeed are encouraged to help with your nomination – the more fun, the more creative, the better!
Submissions received after this date may NOT be included in the charity’s final selection
► Minimum age (girls & boys) = 10yrs, maximum age = 28yrs
► Up to a max of three (3) family member’s incl one (1) beneficiary will be able to go in the aeroplane
► In cases of extreme muscle weakness, where breathing support is needed or the head needs support, solutions are available
► Hoisting is often necessary for those unable to self-transfer
► Aerobility have an excellent hoist system which we have used very successfully in previous years, enabling safe aircraft access & exit
► Aerobility are regulated & approved by the Civil Aviation Authority
► The charity will inform successful nominees by phone
► You’ll be contacted within 1-wk of the nominations deadline date
► The charity’s decision is final
NOTE
Priority is given to young people (girls & boys) who have NOT been the recipient of either a unique Muscle Dream or one of the charity’s Muscle Dream Programmes in the last 2 years (24 months)
As with all Muscle Dream activities, our beneficiary audience are children and young people in the UK who have muscular dystrophy and/or an allied neuromuscular condition
AeroBility is a user led charity run largely by disabled aviators with experienced instructors trained to work with disabled individuals using adapted aircraft, making flying accessible for all
Our aim with this programme is to take a pioneering stance by giving a highly-personalized flying experience to young people with Muscular Dystrophy by encouraging them to literally take-the-controls in level flight and in so doing, give a powerful sense of real achievement underpinned by greater self-belief, improved confidence and personal resilience – in broadening beneficiary horizons, we aim to transform a person’s outlook and encourage a desire to experience new things in their lives
The charity is thrilled to announce that thanks to a grant, our headline sponsor this year is Genetic Disorders UK and their Genes for Jeans day which this year takes place between Mon 14th to Sun 20th September 2020 – it’s a fun-packed day of denim in your workplace, in your school or in your community, with the aim to raise money for the 500,000 children in the UK with Genetic Disorders.
And of course to our key operational partners who have supported this flying programme in previous years, all of whom have once again confirmed their commitment – huge thanks to:
► Farnborough Airport
► Aerobility at Blackbushe Airport (Reg Charity No. 1149629)
► Parity for Disability (Reg Charity No. 1071571)
Safety is of vital importance – our aim is to ensure that all beneficiaries and those involved have a brilliant experience – indemnity forms will need to be completed along with the charity’s Medical Recipient and Muscle Dream Profile forms – additionally, a FITNESS TO FLY DECLARATION (via Aerobility) must be signed – these forms will be emailed once the chosen beneficiaries have been accepted onto the programme.
The programme may be filmed and photographed; the charity will require written consent by parents (for those under 18yrs of age). Check out last year’s photos on our dedicated Flickr Channel HERE
As in previous years, there will be some unforgettable moments as well as a few surprises along the way – meals, refreshments and an overnight stay at a comfortable hotel in Farnborough are all included, plus a contribution towards travel costs
QUESTION: HOW MANY PLACES ARE THERE ON THIS PROGRAMME?
ANSWER: THERE ARE FOUR (4) BENEFICIARY PLACES AVAILABLE
► Each beneficiary may bring his/her family i.e. up to a max of 3 people
► Total group size (incl 1 beneficiary) per family = 4 people in total
NOTE: we recognize that occasionally a 2nd carer is needed to assist a beneficiary; if this is the case, please let us know in your nomination
Detailed accommodation arrangements will be made in advance of the programme for each beneficiary to stay-overnight (if accommodation is required ie. if you live over an hour away from Farnborough/Blackbushe)
Accommodation will include a full English-breakfast the following morning. Depart at your leisure. Possession of portable hoists and appropriate slings (if required to enable ease of transfer) must be brought by families; please note, the charity does NOT provide any equipment
Engagement and help by our MHF Volunteer Host Team will enable all beneficiaries and family members to take part. Our Celebratory Muscle Warrior Dinners are always a lot of fun!
Please provide ALL the required info as part of your nomination – as this programme is very popular, failure to provide this info may mean nominations are NOT included in the charity’s final selection