Karen tells of 'amazing' flight to Wick as part of aviation charity tour
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A disabled woman whose life was transformed after she gained a flying scholarship has spoken of her "amazing" journey to Wick through cloudless skies this week.
Karen Cox from Lossiemouth flew north on Tuesday from the Moray town's RAF base in a Cessna 172 as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations of the charity Flying Scholarships for Disabled People (FSDP).
"The flight to Wick was amazing," said Karen, who was accompanied by FSDP vice-president Ian Revell and co-pilot John Mott.
"It was so beautiful flying up the east coast. We had clear skies and beautiful views, and I would like to say a huge thank you to Drew Murray of Far North Aviation for his hospitality and friendliness."
FSDP was founded in 1983 to honour the indomitable spirit of Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader, the wartime fighter pilot who resumed flying after losing both his legs in an accident.
The charity's Big Wing Tour, taking place throughout June, sees able-bodied and disabled crews setting out from their local airfields to mark the anniversary. Trustees and supporters from FSDP are visiting more than 40 airfields across the UK.
The charity has enabled nearly 400 disabled adults to change their lives through aviation.
Karen (56), who received a scholarship from FSDP in 2016, explained: "I have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, fibromyalgia and arthritis, all of which cause daily pain and also impact my mobility, and I was really struggling to come to terms with my limitations.
"My FSDP scholarship taught me how to accept my disabilities as well as showing me what I was still capable of achieving and gave me the confidence to keep trying new things."
A year after her life-changing scholarship, Karen started working for the outdoors charity Outfit Moray.
"I have also done amazing things like abseil off the Forth Bridge, cycle up Ben Rinnes and take part in Cairngorm to Coast [a hike and bike challenge]," she said. "Through my Wobbly Cyclist Facebook and Instagram, I am also trying to show other people in similar circumstances to me that there is life beyond disability and that adaptive outdoor adventure is possible, which is something we are also passionate about at Outfit Moray."
Karen added: "Flying Scholarships for Disabled People literally gave me my wings to live a life of adventure."
Ian Revell said: "We’re visiting airfields across the country to raise the profile of FSDP and Douglas Bader’s achievements to inspire and encourage those with a disability to apply for one of our scholarships.
"They will be able to learn to fly, join our support network and change their lives for the better."
The charity is based in Fairford, Gloucestershire, and shares offices with the Royal International Air Tattoo.
