Douglas Bader Foundation » disabilities

A Letter of Endorsement from the Prime Minister

wendy — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 16:03:00 +0000

We were privileged to receive this moving endorsement from the Prime Minister following the sad death of his father last year.

Flying start for new charity at Caernarfon Airport

wendy — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 08:01:15 +0000

On Saturday, 4 September, 22 disabled youngsters will get the chance to take to the air for flying lessons at a family open day for the Eagles’ Wings Trust at the Dinas Dinlle airfield.

The charity’s founder, former school teacher and flying instructor Paul Asbridge, is working with the Douglas Bader Foundation and Aerobility to make his dream come true.

“We will work with people of all disabilities,” said Paul, who thinks learning to fly is an experience which should be shared by more people.

“We also aim to build links with ex-military personnel injured in conflicts,” he added.

But the prime focus of Eagles’ Wings will be giving disadvantaged youths aged between 18 and 25 the chance to get flying.

“The idea for the charity has been in my mind for a long time,” he said. “I’ve been flying for over 30 years, and when I got my commercial licence I wanted to do more than just fly for airlines.

“There is nothing like the feeling of freedom you have in the air. I want to bring that experience to as many challenged yet inspirational young people as possible.

“So I’m interested in young people from difficult socio-economic backgrounds who haven’t had opportunities others have had.

“We want to build confidence and self-belief, and for them to learn some new skills.”

Paul plans to offer a series of short courses working towards the private pilot’s licence. But it won’t all be about the flying.

“They’ll be involved in helping to run the trust; skills which we think will make them more employable,” explained Paul.

FUNDRAISING

“After they’ve completed one of the short modules, they’ll have to fundraise to help pay for the rest of the course. So they’ll have more training in the community.”

Paul’s aim is to give such opportunities to two new students a month, though any young person between 14 and 21 can ask for a heavily subsidised one-off flying lesson.

“The focus is about building confidence and changing mind sets and attitudes,” he said. “I want to help people who’ve been written off, to say, ‘you can do something special, and we’ll help you’.”

The family open day is one of a number of awareness and fundraising days planned by the trust over the next 18 months.

Ex-Service Personnel Injured in Conflict? FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY!!

wendy — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 07:57:01 +0000

Are you an ex-service man or woman who has been injured in conflict? Are you looking for an opportunity that could possibly change your life?

THEN READ ON!

We are currently looking for people to interview for a groundbreaking new television series we are currently developing for the BBC.

Michael Caines is one of Britain’s most acclaimed chefs. AA Chef’s Chef of the Year in 2007 he was awarded an MBE in 2006 for services to the hospitality industry. His role as Executive Chef at Gidleigh Park, the acclaimed and prestigious country house hotel in Devon and voted hotel of the year 2009, is where Michael earned his reputation as well as two Michelin stars. He is also an Operational Partner and Director of a very successful chain of Hotels across the UK. Michael lost his right arm in a road accident, however his unwavering belief in his own ability to overcome obstacles and face difficult challenges is what made him more focused and determined than ever to pursue his dream of reaching the top of his profession.

Fifteen years on from his accident and Michael Caines MBE now wants to do something definitive to show that if he can create excellence, so can millions of other men and women with disabilities. In his own words “disability is no disadvantage when it comes to running a slick business.” Michael is willing to put his world-class reputation on the line to prove that he can create a five star hotel by employing only people who have a disability.

We are particularly keen to find inspirational ex-service personnel who have been injured in conflict who may be interested in the opportunity of pursuing an alternative yet equally challenging career. We are looking for people to fill a number of different roles from the kitchen and front of house staff to reception and spa staff. Anyone interested must be determined, talented, hardworking people who are willing to help Michael challenge and revolutionise attitudes towards disability.

This project is still in development – any interviews filmed will not be broadcast.

If you are interested or require any further information please do not hesitate to contact Emma Young on 0207 908 5098 or e-mail emma@goggleboxentertainment.co.uk.

"BADER BRAVES" IS HERE!!!

wendy — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:08:23 +0000

JOIN THE TRIBE!!

2010 is the Centenary Year of the birth of Sir Douglas Bader and a very important year for the Douglas Bader Foundation…

Today we are very proud to be able to announce our brand new initiative:

BADER BRAVES

Was created as a joint acknowledgement of SIR DOUGLAS BADER‘s honourary Chieftainship of a Canadian Indian Tribe and the bravery of children with limb deficiencies and other disabilities in their efforts to lead normal lives. It is a tremendous honour to be awarded a Chieftainship and one of which Sir Douglas was extremely proud. (From: “This Week in Canadian History” (Oct. 3 – Oct 9 1818 – 1998): ‘Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) was honoured with the name “Red Crow” when he became the first Kainai Chief at a ceremony in Lethbridge, Alberta. The Kainai (Blood Indians) of southern Alberta created the honorary chieftainship to recognise individuals who have contributed either to the Blood people or to humanity in general. Membership is limited to 40 living persons and the honour is highly prized. Among those who have been members are Douglas Bader (Morning Bird), Pierre Berton (Big Plume), and Pope John Paul II (Big Holy White Father).’

Sir Douglas Bader beginning the honorary Chieftainship ceremony

While the DOUGLAS BADER FOUNDATION has been continuing Sir Douglas’s work with amputees since his death over 25 years ago and has many projects both completed and underway to assist amputees and other disabled, we are particularly excited about this new enterprise. We know that BADER BRAVES combining, as it does, Sir Douglas’s respect for the Native Canadian Indians, his delight in his Honourary Chieftainship and his love of children would be a venture particularly close to his heart.

Sir Douglas Bader being honoured as Chief Morning Bird by the Kainai Indians

To date there are very few initiatives aimed specifically at helping children with limb deficiency and other disabilities and their families and we hope you will agree that this is a worthwhile cause and an exciting project. As always, the DOUGLAS BADER FOUNDATION relies almost entirely on fund-raising to survive and to continue to assist amputees and other disabled and we would be delighted to hear from anyone with fund-raising ideas to support this venture.

To read more about BADER BRAVES please click on the link to see today’s PRESS RELEASE.

If you would like to learn more about BADER BRAVES and/or how you could get involved please contact the Douglas Bader Foundation Director of Operations, Keith Delderfield:

keith.delderfield@btinternet.com

Mobile: +44 (0) 7831 596015
The Douglas Bader Foundation Administration Office:

45 Dundale Rd

Tring

Hertfordshire

HP23 5BU

Fax: +44 (0) 1442 826662

email: douglasbaderfdn@btinternet.com

BIG BROTHER needs YOU!!

wendy — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 15:40:42 +0000

Big Brother 11 will be auditioning from January.

The programme is keen to encourage people with disabilities to join the new Housemates SO…if you’ve always thought you’d like to have a go at living in the Big Brother House, now’s your chance.

You’ll find contact details at the end of the article where you will also be able to access a downloadable information sheet and flyers.

Do let us know how you get on!

***************************************************************************

This is Phil McCullough and I work for the TV production company Endemol. I am looking for vibrant contributors for next year’s series of Big Brother and I thought I would send you some information about it.

We are, as ever, keen to represent all sections of society, Big Brother is at its best when the House is filled with a really diverse bunch of housemates, and we feel it is really important to include someone who has a disability in the next series, which will be the last series of Big Brother on Channel 4.

Over the years, people with disabilities have enjoyed amazing, positive experiences as Housemates on Big Brother. They have challenged preconceptions, they have been able to educate viewers and inspire people in similar situations to their own. Pete, who has Tourette’s won Big Brother 7, and Mikey a blind Housemate from Scotland came second on Big Brother 9. Both won huge public support not just because they had disabilities but because they were amazing characters. On leaving the House they have also both gone on to have further exciting opportunities.

We are really keen to build on these successes and want to give as many people as possible the chance to audition for the final series of Big Brother on Channel 4

You can contact Phil by e-mailing: bbcasting@endemoluk.com

Please click here for a Big Brother 11 Information Sheet

Please click here for a Big Brother 11 Downloadable Flyer

Little guy has a huge heart and embodies Christmas spirit

wendy — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:14:22 +0000

By Brian M. Boyce
The Tribune-Star
BLOOMFIELD — Deep within a body full of scars, the spirit of Christmas beats in “B.J. Claus.”

The youthful Santa recently spearheaded a Christmas gift drive on behalf of Riley Hospital for Children. “And I want to do it every year,” B.J. Yoho said.

For the 7-year-old Bloomfield boy whose initials stand for “Bruce James,” Riley Hospital has been a lifelong second home. Born with spina bifida, an underdeveloped right ear canal and lacking one kidney, Yoho’s first surgery came the day he was born. All totaled, he’s undergone 13 surgeries, including the amputation of his right leg, according to his mother, Blaine.

But this year, the Eastern Greene Elementary School first-grader rallied teachers, businesses and church groups around Bloomfield in a toy drive for fellow patients at Riley Hospital. Distributing flyers describing his own experiences at the hospital and kicking in $20 of his own money, Yoho gathered and delivered 100 brand new toys to the hospital Dec. 7, according to Jason Mueller, spokesman for the Riley Children’s Foundation.

To friends and family, he is now “B.J. Claus.”

“It is unique,” Mueller said of the 7-year-old’s initiative and organizational achievement. “It speaks volumes of a kid going above and beyond.”

Last year, Yoho put his drawing skills to work, creating a snowman that was selected for the annual Riley Holiday Card fundraising program. That same design is now on the 2009 Riley Holiday Ornaments, which are available for sale at M&I Bank branches and GasAmerica.

“B.J. has obviously experienced a lot at Riley Hospital,” Mueller said, noting that he has a patient’s perspective of what children and families there go through each year. “It’s very impressive for him to do this.”

Blaine, a single mother who stays at home to care for Yoho’s ongoing medical needs, said this year’s project took a couple of months to prepare, but it’s been on his mind for the past two years.

“He has always wanted to collect toys and give back to kids at Riley Hospital, but he has been too sick in the past,” she said. “He hopes to do this every year.”

Larry Leonard, Yoho’s teacher, said the project was beneficial for all involved.

“He’s just their friend and they don’t really notice his differences,” Leonard said of Yoho’s relationship to classmates with whom he’s shared a classroom since preschool. Topics like spina bifida and disabilities are weighty for first-graders, but they give kids an opportunity to appreciate what they have as well as what they and others can do to help, he said. “It was really cool because all the kids are excited to see his picture in the newspaper,” he said, adding how impressed the class was with the publication of his artwork.

And, last year, the race fan got a chance to bowl with NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon at his annual charity bowling tournament for Riley Hospital.

Yoho himself, an only child, rattled off names of caregivers at the hospital like friends from the school yard when asked, and offered “Merry Christmas” as his parting comment.

Mueller said Riley Hospital receives 220,000 patient visits each year from children in all of Indiana’s 92 counties.

Blaine said plans are already under way for Christmas 2010. “We’re going to try and do it again next year, but we do want to start earlier,” she said.