Thrill-seeker conquers world with ‘incredible’ record-breaking flight
AN ADVENTURER who started out as a ‘teenager with no motivation’ has just finished flying solo around the world, raising money for a Hampshire charity.
James Ketchell, 37 from Basingstoke, has become the first person to continuously fly solo around the world in an open-cockpit gyrocopter, raising money for Havantbased Over The Wall in the process.
Over The Wall supports children and young people with serious illnesses through community camps that are held across the UK.
James left school at 16 with no qualifications and lacked the motivation to push himself out of his comfort zone.
So far, he has raised £11,154 including Gift Aid donations.
And that money will be split between Over The Wall and Kindled Spirit.
Arriving back at Popham Airfield in Hampshire, he said: ‘It’s been an incredible, humbling experience but also the toughest challenge so far.
‘The weather has been so unpredictable.
‘At times the flying has been hairy. I’m just so glad to be back.
‘The freezing temperatures of Siberia tested my stamina and resilience.
‘And flying over the north Atlantic in an open light aircraft was particularly worrying.
‘Luckily there were no thunderstorms like the ones I faced in North America.’
Kevin Mathieson, the CEO for Over The Wall, is delighted James has accomplished such an amazing feat.
He said: ‘We are absolutely delighted James Ketchell has chosen to support Over The Wall, in what has been an amazing, record breaking journey.
‘His brave efforts will enable even more children with serious illness to experience the magic of our camps.’