Helping Hands prides itself on its commitment to getting those living with dementia out and about, ensuring they are still living their life to the full and doing the things they love.
One customer supported by Helping Hands is Mike, who joined the RAF as a young man and went on to have a successful, 20-year career as a pilot. His incredible career saw Mike flying some of the most iconic aircraft in history, including the legendary Vulcan bomber.
Mike travelled the world throughout his career, embracing new cultures and picking up Spanish, Italian and German along the way.
Sadly, 13 years ago, Mike was diagnosed with vascular dementia and five years later, Alzheimers’ was added to his challenges.
Despite his diagnoses, Mike has continued to thrive with help from the Oldham team at Helping Hands.
Recently, his wife Liz organised a special outing which allowed him. to revisit one of the greatest loves of his life – aviation. With the help of Joanne, one of Helping Hands’ dedicated carers, Mike was able to visit Sheffield Airport for an up-close experience with the very Vulcan aircraft he once flew.
The RAF team at Sheffield Airport went above and beyond to make the experience magical. They gave Mike and his family a personal tour, including an under-the-wings and cockpit view of the Vulcan. The sight of the aircraft ‘seemed to unlock something within Mike’, his face lighting up with sheer delight. Liz and Joanne both described it as a day ‘full of wonderful memories’, one that brought ‘joy and emotion in equal measure’.
In a letter of gratitude for Helping Hands, Liz wrote: “What a day we had! Absolutely fantastic, Mike had a great time – so happy – quite emotional at times, bless him. Thank you so much for Joanne too she has been fabulous. Thank you so much for enabling this special day.”
Mike’s journey through life has been extraordinary, and even now, in the face of illness, he continues to inspire those around him. His day with the Vulcan is a beautiful reminder that the spirit of adventure and the love of the skies never truly fade.
Helping Hands felt honoured to be able to organise such a special day for Mike and his family.
