I'm scared-NO! simply petrified of flying, so much so, I normally require medication from my doctor just to get on a plane. I must confess at the age of 70, I'm not getting any better! 

When Terry Cook, an experienced microlight pilot approached me about raising money for my charities by taking a microlight flight, I was struck dumb. Then out of my mouth came the sound "yes go on then". I couldn't believe I had agreed as I also have a real fear of heights. I must be totally insane! BUT if this can raise funds for Derian House, this fantastic local charity then as the First Citizen of Chorley, I will do it!

Please help me in supporting one of my Mayoral Charities, Derian House Children's Hospice in Chorley. They provide care and respite to children and young people across the whole of Lancashire.

Councillor Margaret Lees

Mayor of Chorley 2018-19

Flying

MESSAGE FROM TERRY COOK:

"We will fly from St Michael’s airfield near Garstang or Hoghton airfield near Chorley. The flight is weather dependent as they are not permitted to fly in or above cloud. 

The tentative plan is to do max 30 – 60 minutes start-to-finish, so max 50 minutes in the air. We get airborne and do a short circuit around the airfield.  If the Mayor is okay we overshoot from the circuit and spend up to 40 minutes admiring the Lancashire countryside, we can see Chorley from the air.  

We will fly at a height of 1500 – 2000ft (about the length of a farmer’s field); this is a good height for safety and to enjoy the view.

If the Mayor wishes she can 'have a go' (I'll brief it all) at the controls and if she doesn't that's fine. The XAir is docile and stable and there is nothing the Mayor could do from which I cannot recover".