A young man with autism from Worthing fulfilled a life-long dream recently by taking a flight on a helicopter.
James Jenner, 20, who has a passion for all things aeronautical, made the pleasure flight from Goodwood airfield, accompanied by his key worker Aimée White.
The pair enjoyed a 30-minute flight along the Hampshire and West Sussex coastline on board the G-Sunn helicopter.
“James really loves aeroplanes and helicopters and was delighted when he got the chance for a flight from Goodwood,” said Aimée. “It was a big thing for him but he coped brilliantly and took the whole thing in his stride.
“He was a little apprehensive to begin with but once we were airborne and looking down over the sea and the countryside below he was entranced.”
His mum Jane Jenner, a Skills for Life manager at Bexhill College, said she was delighted her son was able to have the experience. “He looked a bit scared at one or two points but when he came back he was so proud at what he had managed to achieve,” she said.
“He couldn’t have done it without Aimée. She talked him through the whole thing and was there with him throughout the flight for support.
“James has always loved flying and has been to places like Spain, Portugal and Tenerife on a plane, but this was the first time he’s been on a helicopter.”
James lives at Coneyhurst Lodge, a 10-bed service that cares for adults with autism, health and physical health needs such as epilepsy, which is run by the Regard Group. Staff at Coneyhurst Lodge focus on promoting independence, opportunities and empowerment within a safe structured environment.
