Flight For Hearts – Departure

Robin Hood Airport, Doncaster – 30th July 2007

Weather conditions were perfect for the first leg of the ‘Flight for Hearts’ which will traverse the world in order to raise awareness of SADS and to encourage the provision of services and support for these disorders.

The crew comprises: Consultant Cardiologist Professor Nigel Wheeldon (who also holds a Commercial Pilots Licence), Kevin Rowell and Geoffrey McPhail – and they are supported by a team of third year aviation students at the University of Leeds.

We arrived at 9.00am to find that many people had already gathered to watch the ‘send off’. By 10 o’clock there were between 80 and 100 well-wishers who had come to lend their support and see the party on their way.

The media were present, taking photographs etc. The co-pilot was explaining how busy it had been during the build up to the take-off day and was wondering whether it was going to get busier.

We had the chance to talk with many people about sudden death and CRY’s literature was well received.

The aeroplane (a small to medium sized twin engine aircraft) was distinctive with its three logos: CRY, SADS UK and the Cardiomyopathy Association.

For some reason I found it emotional when the plane took off and ‘waved goodbye’ by tipping its wings. I think it was the realisation of why the trip was being made and all the young people and families affected by SADS.

The team were flying to Southampton, then on to Milan and Athens. Later stops include Darwin and Salt Lake City, where they plan to undertake promotional activity and publicity events. The trip is expected to last 7 – 8weeks. We wish them ‘God’s Speed’.

Ruth Lowe