Outfit Moray's Karen flying high thanks to aviation charity
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A disabled woman whose life was turned around seven years ago after she gained a flying scholarship has just landed in Wick this afternoon.
Karen Cox has been taking part in the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Flying Scholarships for Disabled People charity.
The Lossiemouth resident has travelled north today in a light aircraft from the town's RAF base.
Speaking from Wick airport, Karen said: "It's been a brilliant day. It was so beautiful flying up the east coast.
"I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, fibromyalgia and arthritis, all of which cause daily pain and also impact my mobility.
"At one point in my life I was really struggling to come to terms with my limitations.
"My FSDP scholarship taught me how to accept my disabilities, but also showed me what I was still capable of achieving and gave me the confidence to keep trying new things. "
A year after her life-changing scholarship, Karen started working for the outdoors charity Outfit Moray.
She's also done some amazing things, such as abseiling off the Forth Rail Bridge, cycling up Ben Rinnes and taking part in the Cairngorm to Coast.
Karen added: "Through my Wobbly Cyclist Facebook and Instagram, I'm also trying to show other people in similar circumstances to me that there is life beyond disability.
"I want to show that adaptive outdoor adventure is possible, which is something we are passionate about at Outfit Moray.
"Flying Scholarships for Disabled People literally gave me my wings to live a life of adventure."
The charity was originally founded in 1983, shortly after the death of Sir Douglas Bader, the wartime fighter pilot who resumed flying after losing both his legs in an accident.
Its ‘Big Wing Tour’, taking place throughout June, will see both able-bodied and disabled crews setting out from their local airfields.
The crews will fly routes covering the UK, with former scholars joining them and even flying stages of the tour.
Accompanying Karen on the plane today has been Ian Revell, the charity's vice-chairman.
He said: "We’re visiting airfields across the country to raise the profile of FSDP and Douglas Bader’s achievements to inspire and encourage those with a disability to apply for one of our scholarships.
"They will be able to learn to fly, join our support network and change their lives for the better."
Find out more at www.fsdp.co.uk
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