Disabled Wirral army veteran who was told he couldn't fly solo achieves his dream

Glynn Rees had been a volunteer at the Royal International Air Tattoo for more than 20 years and was encouraged to apply for a scholarship from the Flying Scholarships for Disabled People (FSDP) charity.

As Glynn has a number of complex and life-limited disabilities including an implanted cardiac defibrillator his application was rejected as he could not pass the medical required to fly solo.

After hearing Glynn's story, RAFCT stepped in and funded a two-week residential flying experience course.

This gave him 10 hours of flying tuition and 10 hours of ground school where Glynn will learn about air law, weather and flying principals.

Glynn told the Globe: "I’m chuffed, I had no clue what was going to happen.

"It was only when one of the FSDP’s vice patrons handed me my flying bag that the penny dropped.

“I was disappointed when I did not originally get the scholarship but I have not stopped giggling to myself since I was awarded.

"The FSDP and the Trust have given me hope and something to look forward to again after struggling for many years with my illnesses and disabilities.”

Glynn was surprised with the opportunity during this year’s airshow at RAF Fairford.

RAFCT director Justine Morton said: “Glynn is so deserving of this experience and we’re delighted to be able to offer him the opportunity to learn the basics of flying after he was sadly unsuccessful with the scholarship.

"This gives him a chance to have a go at something he’s clearly very passionate about.”

For more information about the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust at

To learn about the Flying Scholarships for Disabled People charity visit