99-year-old Polegate care home resident takes to the skies and fulfils lifelong dream
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A 99-year-old resident of Bernhard Baron Care Home in Polegate has fulfilled her dream of flying an aircraft over the South Coast, proving that it is never too late to achieve an ambition.
Elisabeth recently enjoyed an unforgettable 60-minute trial flying lesson at Shoreham Aviation after her wish was funded by the charity Pollard's Promises.
During the lesson, Elisabeth took control of a PA-28 aircraft on three separate occasions, soaring above the Sussex coastline and experiencing the thrill of piloting an aircraft for herself.
The experience was organised by Jasmine, Senior Care Practitioner, in partnership with Shoreham Aviation and supported by the team at Bernhard Baron Care Home.
Elisabeth was also accompanied by Jane, her Key Worker, and Maria from the Activities Team, and Andy, the home's driver who helped make the day such a success. Maria was invited to join Elisabeth in the aircraft, sharing the unforgettable experience as they flew together over the South Coast.
A special thank you goes to Tony, a retired British Airways pilot and instructor at Shoreham Aviation. His kindness, patience and encouragement helped Elisabeth feel at ease throughout the flight and gave her the confidence to take the controls herself, making the experience even more memorable.
Jasmine, Senior Care Practitioner, said: "We were delighted to help make Elisabeth's wish become a reality. Seeing her take to the skies at 99 years old was truly inspiring. She embraced the experience with enthusiasm and courage, and it was wonderful to see how much she enjoyed every moment. We are incredibly grateful to Pollard's Promises, Shoreham Aviation, Tony and our dedicated staff team for making this special day possible."
Elisabeth thoroughly enjoyed the experience and was thrilled to see the South Coast from a completely different perspective.
The day serves as a reminder that age should never be a barrier to adventure and that dreams can come true at any stage of life. Thanks to the generosity of Pollard's Promises and the support of Shoreham Aviation, Elisabeth was able to tick an item off her wish list and create memories that will last a lifetime.