WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO

RIGHT up until the moment I was sitting in the aircraft, I couldn’t understand how it was going to be possible for me to fly in a microlight. I was diagnosed with MS in 1996 and, having gradually lost the use of my arms and legs, have been a full-time wheelchair user since 2006. If you can’t move unaided, how could you get into a tiny microlight and take to the skies?

For five years I’ve been coming to Leuchie House respite centre in East Lothian. It provides breaks with nursing care for people with MS and other long-term conditions. The focus is on helping each guest to experience whatever will make their break truly special. When I heard that they were talking to East Lothian Microlights about taking guests on flights, it reminded me of my dad, who used to love microlighting. I thought it sounded exciting, but not something I could do. Next time I was at Leuchie I mentioned it sounded great, and before I knew it I’d been signed up.

I didn’t feel nervous about the flight itself. My apprehension was still all about the logistics: how I’d get into the microlight and what would happen if my legs went into spasm, as they often do. When the day arrived, the team helped me into my flight suit, then strapped our wheelchairs into the Leuchie minibus. Then we set off to the microlight centre, where the owners were waiting to greet us. Using a mobile hoist, the Leuchie team transferred me from my wheelchair into the microlight. My legs and feet were positioned, my harness was fitted and my helmet put on. In such a tiny aircraft, once the pilot sits down in front of you, you feel reassuringly secure.

It was a beautiful clear day with no wind as we taxied along the runway, building up speed. After a smooth take-off, we were up in the air, flying above East Lothian. With no roof and the air all around, it felt like real flying.

The pilot gave me a guided tour as we flew around Dunbar, over Tantallon Castle, the Bass Rock and Berwick Law. Being able to see the wild ponies who live on the Law was amazing. Then we passed over Leuchie House where a

crowd of guests and staff were waiting to wave to us.

I remember thinking to myself, “Here I am, unable to move a muscle, and now I’m flying through the sky just like any able-bodied person”.

A 30-minute flight, it was over far too quickly. As we landed, I felt quite dazed by the whole experience. When one of the Leuchie team asked me how I’d found it, I burst into tears. I couldn’t believe I’d managed to do it.

I still can’t believe it was me. It was such an amazing, liberating experience. My husband tells me he’s very proud of me, and other Leuchie guests have told me I’ve inspired them to do it too. Now I can’t wait to do it again, knowing this time that it really is possible.