Our Patrons
Air Marshall Sir Dusty Miller KBE
Former Senior RAF Officer and recently retired High Sheriff of Gloucestershire
“There is nothing not to like about fly2help: their ‘Air Smiles’ programme, through the medium of aviation, generates and captures lasting happy memories for families facing darker times, whereas the ‘Aim High’ programme inspires and motivates young people from a range of backgrounds towards a career in aviation, both in the air and on the ground. I am immensely proud to be one of their Patrons.”
Mandy Shepherd
Military and Wildlife Artist
“ To be a Patron is a huge privilege and an honour and to be able to make a valid contribution in terms of my work and my time and to meet so many wonderfully courageous people and their families is the greatest reward “
Mike Ling MBE FRAeS
Blades pilot and ex-Red Arrows
Our Founding Patron
Phillip M H O’Dell CBE
Phill O’Dell was until recently the Director of Flight Operations for Rolls-Royce plc.
He has flown a wide variety of aircraft varying from the Rolls-Royce Mk XIX Spitfire, via the Airbus A380, and the Boeing 787 through to the iconic Vulcan, XH 558.
Before joining Rolls-Royce, Phill was Office Commanding the Research and Development Flight of the Fast Jet Test Squadron at Boscombe Down in Wiltshire. He joined Rolls-Royce plc in November 2001, having completed 18 years in the Royal Air Force. During his time with the RAF, he flew the Buccaneer, was a flying instructor on the Hawk and flew operational sorties with the Jaguar. Whilst serving with the RAF, he attended the French Test Pilot School at Istres in Provence and flew over 25 aircraft from the F-14 Tomcat to the Airbus A320.
Since joining Rolls-Royce in 2001, Phill has contributed to a number of major development programmes and has flown the Airbus A320 family, the Boeing 777 with British Airways, the A330 with AirTanker, the Rolls-Royce in-house Boeing 747 ‘Classic’, Flying Test Bed and the Gulfstream G450. In the last year he has been the project pilot for ‘Project ACCEL’, Rolls-Royce’s all-electric aircraft the ‘Spirit of innovation’. This record breaking aircraft has recently become the fastest all-electric vehicle in the World.
Phill also flies the Rolls-Royce Heritage Flight’s Spitfire and flies at events and airshows across the UK.
Phill is the Founding Patron of fly2help and we are extremely proud to fulfil Phill’s vision and passion for aviation through our charitable programmes.
“The youngsters who join ‘Aim High’ are encouraged to throw themselves into the programme which I have heard described as ‘light touch work experience’ across the spectrum of activities that define the world of aviation.”
Air Marshal Sir Dusty Miller KBE and recently retired High Sheriff of Gloucestershire
Our Ambassadors
Lyn Hartman
fly2help is proud to announce the appointment of Lyn Hartman as a new Ambassador, opening the doors on the world of aviation to young people predominantly in the North UK.
Lyn became involved with fly2help when her mother, Joy Lofthouse, was Patron.
Lyn has worked in broadcasting, training and project management and had one flying lesson (so far).
Lyn believes that every young person should have the chance to chase their dreams and supports fly2help in its efforts to open up the aviation world.
Alice Butler, Commercial Pilot
Dr Jackie Bell, Imperial College London
Carole Bent, Creative Catalyst
Mark Knight, Group Captain Royal Air Force Rtd.
Kim Lewington MBE
Our Trustees
Darren Lewington, FRAeS, Chair of Trustees
Simon Eddison, MD Evolonet Ltd
Aled Griffiths, Commercial Pilot
Mark Farmer, Partner at Eden Ventures (Rtd)
David Sproxton, Founder Aardman Animations (Rtd)
Dave Edwards, Partner At Windsor Capital (Rtd)
Thierno Diallo, Airbus (Rtd)
Our Chair of Trustees
“My life revolves around aviation, it’s amazing and a real privilege to share it with people who need it and those who want to be a part of it in the future.”
Darren Lewington FRAeS
Our Team
We are an incredibly small team here at fly2help but our reach is immense and we couldn’t do what we do without the support of our amazing volunteers.
We are lucky to be surrounded by such passionate and creative people who allow us to fulfil our mission to open the doors on the exciting world of aviation to everyone.
Sharon Walters: Charity Business and Finance Manager
Scott Marshall: Programmes Manager
Julie Smart: Air Smiles Coordinator
Our Volunteers
‘Being a female and coming from a BAME background, both largely underrepresented categories within aviation, I hope to work towards making aviation accessible for all. The charity has several fun-packed activities in partnership with schools across England, from answering general questions about becoming an airline pilot, engineer, air traffic controller to hands-on events involving airport operations.
As a fly2help volunteer I hope to spark a sense of excitement in relation to a career within aviation amongst the next generation.”
Maariyah, volunteer pilot
