FSDP: Becky, 2026 Scholarship Recipient
- 19th May 2026
A teacher from London is set to take to the skies after being named as the recipient of this year’s Flying Scholarships for Disabled People annual award.
Becky, who lives in North London, was diagnosed with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) in 2024 and has since seen her mobility deteriorate to where she now uses a manual wheelchair most of the time. It was shortly after her diagnosis that she became aware of FSDP after talking to someone with an identical diagnosis who also interacted with the charity, who described how the scholarship developed confidence and acceptance of their condition.
The scholarship’s mission is to inspire disabled adults, build their confidence, self-esteem and future aspirations through the sharing of life changing aviation experiences.
She said: I enjoyed the selection days; everyone involved with FSDP were so welcoming and encouraging and it was really exciting exploring the aircrafts and chatting to the flying instructors about their personal experiences and their involvement with FSDP.
“What I enjoyed most was meeting and hearing the experiences of other disabled people. As someone who is recently disabled with a rare condition, I have struggled to find disabled communities, and for the first time, I was able to chat and ask advice from people who had been through similar experiences and struggles.”
Becky is head of the history and politics department at a North London state school, and admits she was both thrilled and anxious to have been offered a place after the scheme recorded 62 applications this year alone.
“I did not expect to be awarded a scholarship,” added Becky, whose scholarship is sponsored by the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, the parent charity of the Royal International Air Tattoo.
“I have become a lot less independent since becoming disabled so the prospect of living alone for three weeks is a little daunting, plus I have always been a bit nervous of heights and plane turbulence, so I think the challenge of learning to fly will push me out of my comfort zone, but in a good way.
“I am hoping the experience will build up my confidence. Pre-disability I very much had an attitude of always being keen to try new things, but since becoming disabled, I have not felt so confident.
“If I can fly a plane that will shift my mindset and make me see myself as someone who is still more than capable of trying new and exciting things.”
To learn more about FSDP, visit FSDP.co.uk.