Frank set to soar above his disability

By St Helens Star newsdesk »

FRANK Lees might have cerebral palsy... but that won’t stop the 20-year-old reaching for the sky later this year.

Frank, pictured right, from Prescot, enjoyed a three-day selection course at RAF Cranwell and has been given the chance to learn to fly through the charity Flying Scholarships for the Disabled.

Born prematurely, Frank now suffers from both cerebral palsy and hemiplegia, which limits his mobility.

He will be undertaking a residential four-week flight training course at Lasham Airfield, Hampshire, with the British Disabled Flying Association.

The scholarship includes all flight training and associated ground school tuition, as well as his accommodation.

The aim of FSD is to help disabled recipients restore confidence and regain self-esteem through the physical and mental challenge of learning to fly a light aircraft. The thrill and freedom of flying enables them to reach previously undiscovered potential and helps view their lives in terms of their abilities, not their disabilities.

For many past scholars, the new-found confidence that FSD has instilled in them has helped them to resume or start new careers.

The charity is financed through sponsors, charitable trusts, public donations and local fundraising.

Additional information on the FSD charity can be found on the website at toreachforthesky.org.uk Since 1983 nearly 300 disabled people have experience the thrill and freedom of flight through the scheme.