Helen is just floating on air after her special day

War hero refuses to let sight loss stop her celebrating being 101 with glider flight

A 101-year-old war hero proved age is no obstacle when she took to the skies above Kinross-shire.

Helen Gray, who is partially sighted, served as a corporal in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force during the Second World War.

On Friday, she returned to the clouds in a glider over Portmoak Airfield, Kinross.

And she loved it so much, she says she can’t wait to go again next year.

The event was organised by Scottish War Blinded, a charity which supports military veterans with sight loss to achieve amazing feats and renew their confidence.

The group linked up with Kinrossbased charity Walking on Air to set up the flight.

It was Helen’s second experience in an unpowered aircraft, after going gliding to celebrate her centenary last year.

Although not in control of the glider during her flight, she was able to feel the joystick moving as the craft soared above the ground.

There were worries her flight may have to be postponed because of bad weather but she was able to take off as scheduled.

Helen, from Edinburgh, is a regular at the Scottish War Blind’s Linburn Centre in West Lothian and is one of 50 members from the centre to have a go at flying a glider.

“She is certainly our oldest member to fly and one of our most enthusiastic,” said Tim Searle, an officer at Linburn.

“Helen is great and takes part in lots of different activities at the centre, including Tai Chi and acoustic shooting.”

Helen described the flight as lovely and said she was already looking forward to a repeat

“I’d like to thank the Linburn Centre for making anything and everything possible,” said Helen. “It’s good to be able to get out and not sit at home.”

Helen was described as “an inspiration” by pilot Gary Simpson, who volunteers with Walking on Air.

He has taken her up on both gliding experiences.

Hannah Mitchell, of Scottish War Blinded, added: “I think for people like Helen, taking a flight at the age of 101 is pretty inspirational.”

The charity, based in Wilkieston, helps veterans whether or not they lost their sight during service. This includes rehabilitation and training to adapt to sight loss.