Aerobility honoured with The Kings Award for Voluntary Service

Volunteers from disabled flying charity Aerobility have been honoured with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK. This prestigious award, often described as “the MBE for volunteer groups”, recognises outstanding work by volunteers to benefit their communities.

Aerobility is a charity which changes lives through supporting disabled people to experience the magic and wonder of flight. The organisation uses modified light aircraft, access equipment and specialist training, giving every disabled person the unique chance to spread their wings.

Aerobility encourage disabled individuals to ask themselves, “If I can fly an aeroplane, what else can I do?” Empowering people to reach further than the horizon and tackle daily life in a positive way.

“Thanks to Aerobility, I’ve been able to gain my Private Pilot’s Licence, something I never thought I'd be able to achieve because of my disability.” said Geoffrey Elliott-Howell, a regular flyer at Aerobility. “The volunteers at Aerobility make it possible to change lives by increasing confidence, building relationships and showing everyone what people with disabilities can do.”

As a parent of a teenager who currently flies with Aerobility, Richard Cook has seen first hand how flying can provide ‘therapeutic benefits’ to his daughter, giving her back self-worth and motivation. "As Mum & Dad watching on, the charity’s support has extended to us as well - Aerobility's power is virulent and highly contagious.” Richard became a volunteer for Aerobility and now channels his gratitude into helping others experience the same transformative impact.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) is the highest award given to local voluntary groups across the UK. Created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee, it continues in the reign of His Majesty King Charles III.  The award recognises exceptional work by volunteer groups that benefit their communities.

Mike Miller-Smith MBE, Chief Executive of Aerobility said “It is an incredible honour for our volunteers to receive this award.  Aerobility is very much enabled by our volunteers being embedded into all of our activities; from assisting with the flying instruction, education programmes, fundraising and advocacy activities, even with the Aerobility site maintenance.  We simply would not be the charity we are without this support.  We are just so pleased that our volunteers hard work enabling the disabled community to access the magic of flight is recognised in such an honourable way.”

Winners are announced annually on 14 November, the King’s birthday, and receive a certificate signed by His Majesty and a crystal award presented locally by the Lord-Lieutenant or a Deputy Lieutenant of the county.

“Aerobility volunteers really do change lives because they embody a 'can do' attitude.” said Phil Austen-Jones, an Aerobility volunteer, and flyer. “These volunteers remove limitations for disabled people, providing the support and instruction needed for serious achievement.  Beyond delivering the charity’s activities; they provide belief, independence, and aspiration. The King's Award is truly deserved.”