Web site updated  9th February 2012

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Up, Up and Away !!! Dreams Can Come True !!!

Police Sergeant Austen Farn, Doreen and Alison of Mencap

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Doreen carrying out pre flight checks !!!

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Walsall Lions, Police Sergeant Austen Farn and Alison Davies of Mencap make it happen for Doreen !!

Doreen Saxon has learning difficulties and is physically handicapped, nonetheless her lifelong dream was to take a balloon flight. Her dreams came true on a sunny evening on the 1st September in Shropshire when Doreen flew for a 1 hour 20 minute flight in a ‘Virgin’ Hot Air Balloon. Doreen travelled around 12 miles at 2500 feet.

Walsall Lions sponsored the flight which was set up by Police Sergeant Austen Farn and Alison Davies of Mencap.

Sergeant Austen Farn of Sutton Coldfield Police Station reports:- “Doreen Saxon suffers from both physical disabilities and learning difficulties, I had to lift and carry her into the balloon's basket prior to the flight and out of the basket after the flight.

The Virgin pilot and crew bent over backwards to make her experience an unforgettable one, as did the other passengers, of which there were 16 in total, many made comment of her bravery.

Doing the job I do, seeing the things I see on a daily basis, it was simply magical to be able to be a part of making the lifelong dream of Doreen come true. May I take this opportunity on behalf of Doreen, her family, Alison Davies at Mencap and myself, to thank Walsall Lions Club for your support and patience in this matter. Without members of Walsall Lions Club and the kindness of Walsall people, this project could not have got off the ground, if you will excuse the obvious pun!!!”.