I had recently obtained my private pilots licence and I was asked to take a friend for a flight. He was due to have a double kidney transplant the following week. The operation had serious risks and little more than 10% chance of success. He wanted to tick off his bucket list before the operation and top of the list was flying in a light aircraft.

When Chris and his wife arrived at Fairoaks airport, he clearly looked unwell. We greeted each other and there was a tear in his eye as the realisation started to set in that he was going to be able to realise his dream. I briefed him that we would be heading down to the Isle of Wight, going along the coast and returning back to Fairoaks about an hour later. He was keen to be involved in everything from pre-flight checks to knowing what everything did!

During the flight I handed Chris the controls for much of the trip, teaching him along the way. The smile on his face during and after the flight was infectious, mesmerising and inspirational. We got back on the ground and there were tears all around and big hugs - it was a massively emotional and uplifting moment for all of us. It also gave a critically ill person a big slice of fun to fuel the fight that was needed at a crucial time. The amazing thing is, Chris survived the operation and went on to get his own pilots licence. He even took me for a flight in 2018 to say thank you!

I realised then, that donating less than an hour of my time to fill an empty passenger seat could make a meaningful impact on both of us. Whether it’s taking a passenger for a ride in a luxurious car, horse riding, sailing, walking, flying or simply taking the time to visit someone in need - there is always something that can make a big difference.

Everyone has the gift of time and many have access to skills and fun activities that could change or improve the health, state of mind and wellbeing of people in need. I realised I needed to create a platform to enable this type of sharing and empowerment for everyone… Abling was born!