Thanks to a post on Steel Bones Facebook page, Paul Clark, an above left knee amputee from Mildenhall, Suffolk has been award a flying scholarship for disabled people.
Paul applied for the scholarship last year through the FSDP and at the beginning of March received an email saying he had made it to the last 18 and was invited to RAF Cranwell for the final selection board over 3 days.
Paul said “ I was very excited but also nervous. Over the 3 days I underwent a full aviation medical, getting in and out of a plane and interviews. The final interview was very intense in front of the whole board and trustees.
It was very tough and emotional at times. I meet some amazing friends whilst I was there and learnt about other disabilities.

We are delighted to announce Paul was successful and has been award a flying scholarship, where he we go away for 3 weeks and learn to fly.

“We knew we were getting the phone call on 29th March, and my phone rang at 10.10am. I was so overwhelmed when they told me I had been successful and offered a scholarship. This is a fantastic opportunity for me to achieve something I always wanted to do from childhood, but couldn’t due to hip problems. I have two special presentations, one this year where I will be presented with a framed certificate by Prince Faisal of Jordan and the Chief of the Air Staff and next year where I will be presented my wings”.

A big thank you goes to my wife Sarah, @Emma Joy-Staines and @Leigh Joy-Staines for supporting me throughout and everyone else for the good luck messages and support.