ABOVE: Malky in front of the Aerobility aircraft
Malky Padwa, a 33-year-old-woman from Hackney in London, has been awarded a scholarship by the disabled flying charity Aerobility.
Despite her early onset generalised dystonia – “a condition characterised by involuntary contraction of the muscles, tremors, and other uncontrolled movements” – learning to fly has always been Malky’s dream, and she applied for the scholarship after a friend introduced her to the charity.
Describing how the Aerobility instructors did “everything to accommodate and adapt to [her] needs,” she explained how the scholarship has had a hugely positive impact on her life: which, alongside imparting confidence and self-belief, has also made Malky “rethink [her] capabilities”. “It also really helped me to really assess myself to what I can do physically and push to achieve more coordination and controlled movements,” she added.
Aerobility was founded in 1993 with the purpose of “changing lives by providing the disabled community access to the magic and wonder of flight”. Noting his gratitude for the supporters and donors who make this dream a reality, CEO Mike Miller-Smith said: “We offer scholarships to ensure anyone can fly with Aerobility, as we know how participating in aviation changes lives and we want as many people as possible to experience that”.
IMAGE: AEROBILITY
