Firefighters on Standby for Dream Flight
Firefighters from Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service (BLFRS) were on standby at Woburn Safari Park in September providing specialist aviation fire support for a unique fleet of helicopters. The helicopters swooped into Woburn, giving children with complex disabilities and their families a dream flight and the trip of a lifetime.
Eleven
privately owned helicopters picked up families from Redhill Aerodrome and flew
them across London to Woburn Safari Park, taking in aerial views of the city and
followed by a guided tour of the park's reserves. The children were able to meet
many of the park's animals before returning home by helicopter.
A crew of retained firefighters from Woburn Fire Station volunteered their time free to provide safety cover for this special event.
Neville Williams, (Watch Commander at Woburn Fire Station) said:
‘It was an honour to be involved in such a tremendous day for these special children and their families. Fire safety cover was needed because this was such a large group of helicopters flying into Woburn. Vehicles and crews attended to make sure the day was a once in a lifetime experience and a safe one for all involved.’
The children taking part all receive care, education and therapy at The Children's Trust, a national charity for children with multiple disabilities based in Surrey.