An RAF veteran took to the skies one more time at the grand old age of 97 - thanks to a kind-hearted teenage pilot. Ex-engine fitter Harry Appleton was treated to a 20-minute flight above the skies of Manchester in 18-year-old Nathaniel McMurray's four-seater plane.
Harry, of Swinton, Salford, said: "It was a fabulous day. Absolutely perfect. There's no other way to describe it." Nathaniel, who still hasn’t passed his driving license, flew Harry and other military vets in his Cessna 172 light aircraft for charity on Saturday, May 20.
The schoolboy and air cadet, who started flying at 14, came up with his heartfelt idea after learning about how many veterans 'struggle with social isolation'. And for the next three weekends, he aims to take 100 heroes up in his hired plane, two at a time.
Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community by clicking this link https://chat.whatsapp.com/BuWQWjcN6GbBPisjgI8HYv
You can leave at any time, and find out more here: https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/join-free-manchester-evening-news-26647478
Harry, who served for six years in the RAF's 1660 squadron bomber command, sat in the co-pilot's seat during his flight. During his time in the RAF, he would fit engines in planes and - despite never having a flying lesson - would take command occasionally on test flights.
The father-of-one said: "It was absolutely brilliant, the day was perfect for flying. I'm in my element when I'm flying, it's one of the best things in my life."
Son Mark, 61, who accompanied Harry on the day, said: "He absolutely loved it. It's a very special moment for him when he flies."
Nathaniel, from Urmston, was fascinated by the armed forces from an early age and participated in several veterans' events prior to his fundraiser. He took up flying at the age of 14, following in the footstep of his pilot grandfather who gave up cigarettes to afford his lessons 50 years ago.
Nathaniel went on to perform his first solo flight two years, aged 16, and hasn’t looked back since. He said: "The Royal British Legion (RBL) does amazing work, and I have friends who have been supported by the charity, so this seems a good opportunity to give something back, whilst also having some fun.
"From talking to the RBL, I know that many veterans struggle with social isolation, so this is a way to get them out of the house, to meet other like-minded people and have a really good experience. It's also our chance to thank them for their service."
Scott Pringle, community fundraiser for the Royal British Legion in Manchester, described Nathaniel as an 'amazing young man'. He said: "This is one of the most original and exciting fundraising ideas I can ever remember.
"Nathaniel is an amazing young man and a real credit to his family. For a schoolboy to have the compassion and commitment to make this happen is quite incredible, especially whilst doing his A-levels.
"Obviously the fundraising is crucial as many of our veterans are facing new challenges because of the cost-of-living crisis, they're struggling with the essentials such as food, energy and utilities, so there has been a big increase in requests for our support.
"But just as importantly, Nathaniel is bringing veterans together, and we know that leaving the Armed Forces is the most common cause of both loneliness and social isolation, so we are truly grateful to him and very excited for the first flights this weekend."
Veterans who want to apply for a free flight can email their interest for the remaining slots on June 17, July 8 and August 5. More details here.
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
