Flying enthusiast takes to the skies to raise money for BookTrust
Published on: 02 January 2024
We’re constantly in awe of the unique ways people fundraise for us to help get children reading – including Nic Orchard, who has flown her own aeroplane in support of BookTrust several times. Here’s her story...
When asked why she supports BookTrust, Nic Orchard says: “I feel strongly that every child should have the pleasure of owning books: the fascination with the tale, the relation to the illustrations, the smell of the paper, are just a few factors that I can remember of that book of my own. Every child should be able to enjoy those sensations, regardless of the importance of reading in education and achievement.”
This year was Nic's “last hurrah” as a participant in the Dawn To Dusk flying challenge. The event challenges flying enthusiasts to fly their own aeroplane somewhere that means they explore something entirely new from the sky.
When she first took on this challenge in 2018, Nic’s theme for the journey was investigating the history of WWI defences along England’s coastline. She enjoyed it so much that she repeated it again in 2019 and 2020. This year Nic’s theme was mazes and labyrinths, flying around the country and enjoying the curious backgrounds to some of the most fascinating English buildings.
Nic’s unique way of supporting BookTrust demonstrates how important books and stories can be in inspiring a person’s sense of adventure and the way we perceive the world.
She says, “I can indulge my passion for flying my small 1946 aeroplane. She is not a swift aeroplane but she is ideal for looking at things.
“The day is very tiring when flying solo but the reward is to attend a dinner at the RAF Club and to fundraise for BookTrust, a charity that fits so well with my passion for literacy. For many of the entrants, one’s challenge is linked to charitable fundraising and I did this through JustGiving."
We can’t thank Nic enough for continuing to take to the skies – embarking on her own adventures, so children can experience theirs, through the wonder of books. In her own words, Nic says, “Library services and school budgets are being cut, parents are struggling financially. BookTrust has never been so important.”
Topics: News
