Paraplegic first in flight from York to Sydney

Flying a single-seat airplane from York to Sydney would be a remarkable feat for anyone. But for a paraplegic like Dave Sykes to attempt it solo in order to help a charity, is definitely one for the record books. Despite the challenges associated with this daring feat, Sykes, a 43-year-old pilot from Britain who nearly lost his life in a car accident in 1993, remained determined to finish his journey as he touched down in the capital last Friday. "I have taken on this challenge simply because no one has ever accomplished it before, and because of the money it will raise," Sykes told Gulf News during his one-day stay in the country. Having started his flight from York, England in April, he has already been "in the air and on the road" without a caretaker for nearly a month. "I intend to raise money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, a non-profit charity that offers much-needed medical aid to hundreds of people each year. And, of course, if I am approached by other local organisations in the charities I visit, I would be happy to do my bit," the gutsy pilot added. His flight is scheduled to take him across 18 countries on his way to Sydney, Australia, and the UAE was the eighth stop along the 22,224km route. "This is the first time I've come to the UAE, and both Abu Dhabi and Dubai look like lovely places to stay. I also had a chance to visit the magnificent Burj Khalifa. But I'll have to be on my way again," Sykes said. When asked, he explained that the toughest part of the journey was usually the harsh summer climates that are present through much of his route. "In fact, en route to Abu Dhabi, the temperature was well over 40 degrees Celsius, and hot winds had been blowing. I guess I am still determined though because for the past eleven years, flying has been a true hobby for me. When I am in the air, I feel as free as a bird," Sykes said. "More importantly, the message I want people to take away from this is that if I can do this, then anyone else can. You just have to set your mind to something," he added. "I have been planning this journey for three years now anyway, and it is finally happening. But I will also be delighted to go back home to my girlfriend when this is done, and to help out the air ambulance with the funds I collect," he added. From / Gulf News