The Flyday will see a fleet of light aircraft and volunteer pilots take to the skies from Exeter Airport, to give children and adults with life-limiting illnesses a day they will never forget.
Flyday is made possible with the support of Exeter Airport, Exavia and many local pilots and businesses.
This year’s Flyday is teaming up with not one but three charities to benefit from the event - Children’s Hospice South West, CLIC Sargent (Cancer and Leukaemia in Children) and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
The participation of three charities means organisers will be aiming to offer flights to 150 children and their families – a huge increase on the 60 who flew on the first Flyday in 2009 and the 100 who flew last year.
In addition to the flights there will be a host of entertainment on the ground, with music, magicians, face painting, competitions, a lunch time barbecue and a static display featuring Hunter and Strikemaster aircraft, a Hot Rod racer and fire engines.
The Goodridge Flyday was the brainchild of Goodridge director and keen aviator Jon Hanna, and company founder and Chairman Stuart Goodridge, who sadly passed away earlier this year and was also an enthusiastic pilot.
Jon said: “The Flyday is all about creating special memories for children and their families and we’re delighted that the event has grown every year. Stuart was a passionate believer in making a real difference to people’s lives and took part in both the previous Flydays, so this event is also a way of remembering him.
“We’re grateful for the enormous support we receive every year from local pilots and businesses, without which Flyday would not be possible.”
Goodridge, which is the world’s leading manufacturer of performance fluid transfer systems, is based at the Exeter Airport Business Park and employs around 100 staff in Exeter and more than 300 worldwide.
The company has worked with Children’s Hospice South West on the organisation of all three Flydays.
Mandy Robbins from Children’s Hospice South West said: “The annual Goodridge Flyday has provided an incredible memorable experience for everyone who has taken part in the previous two events, and has remained a talking point amongst those children and their families for many weeks and months after the events. “Our mission at Children’s Hospice South West is to make the most of short and precious lives, and the Flyday is an excellent way to do this.”
The Goodridge Flyday, which is by invitation only, is being held at Exeter Airport, which has supported and hosted the event for the past three years.
Jamie Christon, Managing Director of Exeter Airport added: “This is a fantastic event that brings pleasure to so many children and their families, and we’re delighted to be supporting it again this year.”
The Goodridge Flyday 2011 is being sponsored by the following organisations: PVM Supplies, Andy Loos, Cheddar Valley Pig Roast, Lloyd Maunder Butchers, Bako Western, Highfield Preserves, Captain Coconuts Road Show, Hysteria, North Devon Mini Register.
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