A pair of teddy bears are flying around the world to raise money for charity.
The Aviation Challenge Ireland is sending two teddies - Captain Paddy and Lucky - around the world to raise money for LauraLynn Hospice and Dogs Trust Ireland. Organiser Jason Phelan said that the idea for twist on this fundraiser came from an ex-colleague of his.
He recalled: "Capt Paddy was donated to me by a work colleague who served with the Irish Air Corps, and Capt Paddy has sat on my desk at work for about five years. I decided that it should be two bears travelling, and Lucky was an aviation bear that I found, and along with Capt Paddy they formed a travelling duo."
"As I have done a few previous fundraisers in the past including a three day aerobatic challenge in 2009 and a Wingwalking Flight in 2021, it was time for me to step back and allow Capt Paddy and Lucky to take up this challenge."
The challenge involves Paddy and Lucky logging their flights around the globe for a year until January 2024. They logged their first flight on January 18 this year when they flew from Cork to London.
Since then they have flown from Belfast to Edinburgh, Birmingham and Manchester. "They also had a unique aerobatic flight," Jason said.
"The challenge is a year long, and we hope to log their last flight on 18th January 2024. During their travels they will each be carrying a logbook to record flight hours, pilot in command, aircraft type and registration.
"At the end of the challenge, along with the bears, their Irish teddy bear passports, logbook a scrap book of their adventures will be auctioned off for each of the charities."
Both deserving charities have a place in Jason's heart. He explained: "It was the influence of my 6 year old nephew Cody and my own rescue dog Jaz who inspired me to choose a children's and dog charity.
"It's their collective innocence and vulnerability that pointed me in the direction of LauraLynn and Dogs Trust Ireland and for me it was a no brainer." If you would like to get involved Jason said that any pilots who would like to take Capt Paddy and Lucky on a flight can contact him at aviationirelandchallenge@gmail.com.
If anyone would like to donate to either charities they can do so here for the LauraLynn Hospice and here for Dogs Trust Ireland.
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