A RESIDENT from Deer Park Nursing Home took to the skies recently, as part of the Holsworthy-based nursing home’s aim to encourage residents to ‘live life to the full’.

A glorious, sunny day was upon both staff and resident, David Peters, as they waited in the Bodmin Flight Club for their flight to depart. Alongside his daughter-in-law, Cathy, brother Jene and Deer Park’s activity co-ordinator, Pauline, David sipped his tea in intrepidation, and finally it was time to embark on his adventure.

Charlie the pilot came along to guide David and Pauline to the aircraft, and they were good to go!

With experience gained in the past, after a quick lift into the seat, David’s hand instinctively rested on the controls, and with the seat belts and harnesses safely on, it was time to taxi onto the runway.

With a few checks carried out by Charlie, the tower gave clearance and it was time for David to reach for the sky. The adventure began as the ground — and stomachs — were left behind, as the aircraft gradually made its way into the sky.

Once David had his own light aircraft and pilot license, so flying over areas such as the Camel Estuary and the Atlantic Ocean was a great way to relive old memories. During the flight, David had a bird’s-eye-view of the Eden Project, which was particularly special and meaningful to him.

The flight then began its journey back to Bodmin Airfield, with a perfect landing conducted by Charlie.

When asked if he had enjoyed himself, David replied ‘Fantastic!’ He was then taken for a good lunch.

Pauline told the Post: “It was amazing! Afterwards, he just wouldn’t stop talking about it — for days and days it went on.

“The really poignant thing about it is, he thought he wouldn’t fly again, so for him it was so inspiring and special.”

Pauline explained that encouraging residents to get out and about is ‘vitally important’. She continued: “It’s vitally important — it’s part of the clinical care there (at Deer Park) as well, and not only that, but it’s inspiring people to do what they used to do, and different things as well! New and exciting things.”

Following David’s trip, another resident is due to take part in the same exciting trip this Saturday (July 8).

Pauline added: “So it’s even inspired someone else to get out and live their life.

“It was just amazing for him, and the staff there were fabulous as well.”