Battler Richard to train for his wings

A HUDDERSFIELD cancer sufferer is taking to the skies to fulfil his dream of becoming a pilot.

Richard Chambers, 39, has been given a place on a course by charity Flying Scholarships for the Disabled.

The charity was set up in memory of legendary World War two fighter ace Douglas Bader.

Bader lost both legs in an airplane crash but went on to become one of Britain's war heroes.

Mr Chambers, from Scholes, near Holmfirth, had his right leg amputated above the knee last year when he was diagnosed with a cancer which affected the muscle tissues in his limb.

However, the cancer returned several months ago and he is set to undergo a course of chemotherapy on May 9.

Mr Chambers - a teacher at Castle Hill School in Newsome - applied to FSD for a scholarship to get his National Private Pilot Licence.

The charity offers the scholarships to help disabled people gain confidence and self-esteem through the challenge of learning to fly an aircraft.

Mr Chambers said he was delighted to get the scholarship.

"I'm just so pleased. I'm absolutely over the moon.

"They do such wonderful work and I would like to be able to raise awareness and money for them in future."

Before Easter, he completed a three-day course and assessment at RAF Cranwell near Sleaford in Lincolnshire.

There he met several other cancer sufferers.

He said: "I was about to start chemotherapy for the first time and it was a great opportunity to meet people going through the same thing because I saw you could survive and get on with things."

Mr Chambers is hoping to start his flying training in July, after his chemotherapy.

He will be learning in a Piper Warrior one-engined plane.

His ultimate aim is to qualify and be able to fly solo.

"A few years ago I had a flying lesson as a present and I absolutely adored it. I looked at trying to do it but it was too expensive.

"My aim is to be able to be in a plan on my own flying free in the sky."

* The FSD was founded in 1983 as a memorial to RAF pilot Sir Douglas Bader (pictured right), who lost both legs in an air accident in 1931 but went on to achieve fame as a World War Two fighter pilot.

* Throughout his career in military and civil aviation, he supported disabled people and since the charity was founded in his honour it has helped 250 people learn to fly.

* The FSD is funded through sponsors, charitable trusts, public doantions and fundraising - and has even had support frm the late King Hussein of Jordan.

* His widow, Queen Noor, is currently patron of the charity.

* For more information about the organisation, visit www.toreachforthesky.org.uk