NATS Air Traffic Controllers to motorcycle 3000 miles to fundraise for Aerobility and Prostate Cancer UK
A team of Air Traffic Controllers from NATS is to embark on a 3000-mile motorcycle ride from Aberdeen to Gibraltar, while raising money for Aerobility and Prostate Cancer UK.
‘The Big Tour, 24 in 2024’ will raise funds for the two charities, as four Air Traffic Controllers motorcycle across Europe to visit all 24 NATS and NATS Solutions Air Traffic Control Units. They will stop for at least one hour at each NATS unit to meet staff and raise donations.
The riders, Wayne Clarke from Aberdeen Airport, Richard Fell, Shaun Bellairs-Wray and Harvey McVicar from Swanwick Centre all have experience of long-distance touring in the UK and Europe. Triumph Motorcycles are kindly donating four motorcycles for the event, and giving riders some fantastic expertise and advice.
The riders depart from Aberdeen on Sunday 14th April and arrive in Gibraltar on Thursday 25th April. They will then depart Gibraltar for the UK on 26th April arriving back in Portsmouth on the evening of 29th April, and finishing the ride on the 30 th April at NATS Whiteley.
The team has chosen to support the Solidarity Wings Fund @ Aerobility as part of the ongoing relationship between NATS, the Prospect ATCOs Branch and their American counterparts at the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA). The Solidarity Wings Fund is a new initiative for 2024 which will give three people with disabilities an 18-hour flying scholarship with Aerobility.
Brian Wheeler, the Chief Operations Officer at Aerobility, said: “As the NATS Air Traffic Controllers gear up for 'The Big Tour, 24 in 2024,' they are not only navigating the roads but also steering change and making a profound impact. We are deeply grateful for their decision to support Aerobility's Solidarity Wings Fund, allowing people with disabilities to experience the transformative joy of flight.
“Their journey not only symbolises the spirit of adventure but also the power of collective action in driving positive change. We look forward to following their epic adventure and celebrating the impact of their efforts on both Aerobility and Prostate Cancer UK."
Prostate Cancer UK is also a chosen charity of great personal significance to Wayne and the Aberdeen Control Tower Staff, as an ex-staff member from the unit passed away in May 2023 from the disease.
Prostate Cancer UK is a charity which works to give every man the power to navigate the disease. Whether that’s helping them to understand their risk, make the right choice about treatment or get the expertise needed to feel informed and in control.
Find out more about the fundraiser and donate at 24in24.co.uk
