Bognor Birdman’s 30th Birthday.

This year’s event is a little earlier than normal.  I have dusted off my glider (removed the sand) and this year we are off to Worthing.  (Damage to the pier at Bognor rendered it unsafe for the event this year.)

The 30th Anniversary obviously makes this an important year for the ‘Birdman’ and the prize money has been increased.

However what could make a really interesting event this year are some new aircraft.   Billy Brookes, of ‘Scrapheap Challenge’ fame, has spent a lot of time building a special aircraft designed to make more use of ‘ground effect’.  As well as enhancements in this area the pilot is in a new position, prone on top of the wing.  The pilot also pedals a 3m diameter prop fixed above the wing on a faired pylon.  (There will be photos on the web site www.hanggliding.co.uk. After the event.)

In contrast I am flying a modified hang glider and have the very significant psychological advantage of knowing it will probably fly.  (When jumping of such a high pier fear can be a real problem.)

Billy Brookes is obviously very brave or…………………well lets just hope the divers are ready.

The Bognor Birdman event is a great day out for spectators but perhaps more importantly does raise quite a lot of money for Charity.

This year I have chosen to support the “Christian Lewis Trust, Children's Cancer Charity”.

The spectre of cancer in children is enough to reduce most of us to tears (certainly true for me.)  This charity aims to improve the quality of life of Children with Cancer and to help their families, which is why I think it is such a worthy cause.

I have chosen to use this web site because as they say:

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Christian Lewis Trust, Children's Cancer Charity gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!

Thank you very much.