Flying High 

On Friday 3rd March 2006, Marilyn Rees from Carmarthenshire took on the daunting challenge of piloting a plane for FSID in memory of her granddaughter Cailtin, who died in August 2004. 

Marilyn, who was awarded the flight by her employers for 20 years of dedicated service to the Post Office, decided to turn her prize into a lucrative fundraiser,  and raised £800 from customers, family and friends' sponsorship.

Marilyn was only given a brief explanation from the pilot on how to fly the aircraft before the controls were handed over and she was in charge. Some in her position might have found this a little nerve-wracking, but not Marilyn. She thought it was thoroughly enjoyable:  "It was such a thrilling thing to do, and the views were incredible from up there" she explains.

Caitlin's parents were with her in the plane and her son did some flying too, giving Marilyn the chance to take photos from the back seat. Marilyn explains: "We were so lucky with the weather - it was a beautifully clear day".

The experience is one she will never forget, and Marilyn would gladly do something equally daring again.  She is delighted to have put her work prize to such good use and to have raised so much money in such an original way.

FSID would like to thank Marilyn and her family for all their wonderful efforts.