Year: 2014
Passion
For people living with serious illness or difficult circumstances, moments of freedom and joy can be incredibly powerful. Experiences that lift people out of the everyday realities of treatment, disability or disadvantage can provide renewed confidence, inspiration and hope.
Stratus Flying was founded on exactly that belief. The charity was created by pilot James Moon, who launched the organisation after overcoming a serious spinal injury during his own flight training. Moon set out to give disabled, terminally ill and disadvantaged young people the opportunity to experience flight for themselves.
Action
Based at Northumbria Flying School at Newcastle International Airport, Stratus Flying organises special flight experiences for individuals who might otherwise never have the opportunity to leave the ground.
In 2014, the Adderstone Foundation supported the charity through corporate sponsorship, helping expand its programme of flights designed to bring excitement and a sense of freedom to young people facing significant challenges.
Impact
Thanks to the Foundation’s donation, 14-year-old Danny Duffy was able to enjoy a birthday flight arranged through Stratus Flying.
Danny’s flight was a reminder that sometimes a single experience can create a lasting memory and a moment of pure joy during a difficult time.
