Teenage pilot flies for charity, raising £650 for Hope House

Isabelle Gledhill, 15, took to the skies for a 'Colours of the Rainbow' flying challenge, raising more than £650 for Hope House children’s hospice.

The Grove School student flew a rainbow arch over each of the seven schools in the Marches Schools Academy.

Isabelle, who has been passionate about flying since the age of six, joined a gliding club at 10 and now enjoys regular lessons with Shropshire Aero Club.

As part of her flying lessons and challenge, she had to plan and navigate the route (Image: Hope House) After five years of flying, she was proud to take on this feat for the British Women Pilots’ Association’s Chairwoman’s Challenge.

Isabelle said: "I wanted to raise money for a local charity.

"When I Googled them, and started reading the stories of children and families at the hospice, then I knew I had to support them."

To sponsor Isabelle, go to justgiving.com/page/isabellesflyingchallenge.

Isabelle was accompanied by instructor Joe Mayall.

As part of her flying lessons and challenge, she had to plan and navigate the route, ensuring she safely navigated air space over Shawbury and Tern Hill.

Mr Mayall said: "It’s fantastic what she’s doing, not only the flying challenge, but to support such a brilliant charity.

Isabelle was accompanied by instructor Joe Mayall (Image: Hope House) "She’s done all the organising, the checks, navigation and flying, I’ve just been there as support."

Her parents, Emma and Dave, are incredibly proud of Isabelle’s achievements, and thanked everyone who had helped make the challenge happen.

Emma said: "She’s just a different kid when she comes out of the plane and her face is absolutely beaming."

Fundraiser Dawn Ball congratulated Isabelle for taking on this phenomenal feat to raise money for Hope House children’s hospice.

She said: "Isabelle is an incredible girl.

"There can’t be many 15 year olds with the motivation and commitment to learn to fly a plane."