Robert's sky high surprise

From the archive, first published Thursday 19th Apr 2001.

Norton meningitis victim Robert Parsons did not expect to be soaring through the sky on his first aeroplane flight during a recent day out at Bobbington Airport.

The 18 year old was there to look around with dad John but the owner of a private plane recognised him from newspaper coverage and offered to take him on his first flight.

Robert, who lost both his arms, legs and part of his nose to meningitis, is a keen player of an aeroplane simulation computer game he has at home.

So when generous pilot Kevin Pilcher offered to take him for his first real aeroplane ride in his private plane Europa, Robert was delighted.

He said: "Me and my Dad were looking around the airport when we were approached by Kevin.

"He had heard about me in the paper and said he would take me for a flight in his plane.

"At first I thought he was joking as it was April Fool's Day but before I knew it I was in the cockpit. It was the first time I have been in a plane and I really enjoyed it."

Kevin runs his own firm in Wolverhampton called Pilcher Engineering and he built the light aeroplane from scratch.

Robert's dad John said: "The plane was a two-seater so I could not go up with Robert and Kevin but I know Robert enjoyed himself and we were very grateful for the opportunity."

The Robert Parsons appeal, launched by his former employer Geoff Hill, has reached £135,000 so far with more funds pouring in.

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