News

Children and families supported by Little Bridge House enjoyed a day to remember on Sunday 13 July as they took to the skies with volunteer pilots at the Goodridge Children’s Hospice South West Fly Day. For many of the children, the event marked their very first experience of flying, creating precious memories with their families that will be treasured for years to come.

The special day was organised by Exeter-based Goodridge; a leading global manufacturer of performance fluid transfer systems with more than 55 years of engineering expertise and strong roots in the local community.
 

Families arrived to a warm welcome and were each presented with bespoke Goodridge Fly Day t-shirts and Goodridge caps. The thoughtful gifts helped create a real sense of occasion and provided a lovely memento to take home from the day.

Throughout the day children and their families, including several bereaved families, enjoyed flights with volunteer pilots from Exeter Flying Club, taking in spectacular views of the Devon countryside and coastline and experiencing the excitement of flying. 
Back on the ground, there was plenty to keep everyone entertained including face painting and arts and crafts activities organised by the charity’s Sibling Support Team. 
 

Guests were also treated to live music from vocalist Meg Scoins and fun from children's entertainer Rob Pudner of Entertainingly Different. A delicious BBQ was generously provided by Shapland & Searle Traditional Butchers from South Molton, with additional food supplies donated by local businesses LJ's Pantry, R D Johns Ltd and Greendale Farm Shop. Cakes, refreshments and plenty of water helped families stay cool in the summer sunshine.

One parent, whose family attended the event, said:
“Thank you so much for such an amazing day. The girls absolutely loved it.”

Children’s Hospice South West's Care Team, Fundraising Team and volunteers were on hand throughout the day to support families and help ensure everything ran smoothly.
 

Phil Morris, CEO of Children’s Hospice South West, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Goodridge for organising such a special day for the children and families we support. Thank you to the Goodridge team, the pilots, our volunteers and staff and everyone who gave their time, energy, and resources to help make this Fly Day such a success. Seeing children take to the skies, many for the first time, and watching families make precious memories together was truly magical.”

Stuart Beaton, Group Head of Engineering at Goodridge, said: 
"Fantastic to see this year's event be such a success, and a big thank you to all those involved, testament to everyone's efforts to see so much excitement and enthusiasm over the course of the day. Goodridge are proud to support alongside Children’s Hospice South West, with a passion for aviation and supporting the local community it was an important occasion for our founder Stuart Goodridge, and we look forward to being able to continue our support in the years to come."

Children’s Hospice South West would like to extend its sincere thanks to Goodridge and everyone else who contributed their time, skills and generosity to make the day possible. It was a huge team effort, with businesses, volunteers and CHSW staff all coming together to ensure children and families supported by Little Bridge House enjoyed an unforgettable day creating treasured memories.