Flying Scholarships for Disabled People

James Dinsdale is raising money for FSDP
Donations cannot currently be made to this page

Half Marathon/14 Miles to Sherburn Aeroclub

FSDP is a charity aiming to change disabled peoples lives through aviation.

Story

In 2008 I was injured whilst serving in the British Army. In 2011 I was diagnosed as having Cauda Equina Syndrome as a result of the injury. For me it was devastating. My 23 year career in the military was over, I was confined to a wheelchair and pumped full of opiates in order to help control the acute, chronic pain. Life wasn’t great.

I lived like this for several years until I decided that I would try to walk again. It was a long and painful process but I did manage it to a certain extent. However, due to my medical problems, lack of self confidence, being disabled and unused to it as well as my ongoing mental problems, I remained a prisoner in my own home. I didn’t leave my house unless it was for the doctor or a hospital appointment. This lasted 14 years.

In 2023 I applied for a scholarship with FSDP. I knew that I needed a change. My mental health was deteriorating and I was not living, just existing. When I was informed that I had been selected as a candidate I was surprised but I nearly didn’t go to the selection as I was so agoraphobic, the thought of being outside sent me into a panic. Fortunately I did make the trip after counselling with my mentor and I was lucky enough to be selected for a scholarship.

Learning the basics of flying is one small aspect of the scholarship. The most important part is proving that we are capable of a lot more than we think we are. Just because we’re disabled doesn’t mean that we cannot do anything new, adventurous or helpful. It turned my life around. I managed to stop taking opiates, gained confidence in my own abilities again and began to venture outside. The change is too profound for words.

FSDP has been of immeasurable help to my family and I. I would like FSDP to be able to offer what they gave me to others in my position or worse off. Making someone feel as if they are of use to society and not just a drain is both mentally and self stimulating. For more information on FSDP check here.

It would have been easier for me to just create a page asking for donations but I chose to try and achieve something very difficult. I struggle to walk a few hundred meters let alone 14 miles but it’s a goal. A goal that will take a long time and one that I may have to complete in my wheelchair. It used to take me around three hours to do 14 miles, now I hope to do it in less than a day.

Each scholarship is several thousand pounds and I hope that we can help many more potential scholars. Your help is greatly appreciated, more than you will ever know. Please forward this page onto friends and family. Thank you.

There is no set date for the activity yet as I’ve only just started training. I’m hoping to attempt it around March/April 2024.

Donation summary

Total
£630.00
+ £157.50 Gift Aid
Online
£630.00
Offline
£0.00

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