During 2006, members of ‘Team Merlin’, the display team from 28 (Army Cooperation) Squadron based at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire, participated in a variety of airshows and events throughout the UK and overseas. As part of their duties, they had the opportunity to meet members of the public and promote the Royal Air Force; the work carried out by the personnel of 28 (AC) Squadron and the Merlin helicopter. Their busy schedule also provided an ideal opportunity to help raise awareness and funds for the Squadron’s chosen charity, ‘Dreamflight’.
Dreamflight was born in 1986 when Patricia Pearce and Derek Pereira came up with the idea of a special holiday to bring some joy and happiness into troubled young lives. In November 1987 a Boeing 747 with 288 seriously ill and disadvantaged children with adult helpers flew off to Florida for 5 magical days of fun and laughter. This original Dreamflight was intended to be a one-off trip but it was such a success that it has been an annual event ever since. Today, the cost of sending children on what is now a 10-day trip has increased dramatically. Therefore it is vital that the money is raised continually through fundraising and voluntary contributions.
As a result of their endeavours during the display season, Team Merlin managed to raise the sum of £800. After returning from various operational deployments, the majority of the team were able to invite representatives from Dreamflight to RAF Benson. After a tour around the Squadron and a chat to the aircrew and ground crew, a cheque was presented by Squadron Leader Jeff Lindsay, Acting Officer Commanding 28 (Army Cooperation) Squadron, to Patricia Pearce MBE, Dreamflight Co-Founder and Trustee.
Team Manager, Flight Sergeant Gareth Attridge said, “Work is well under way for the 2007 display season and Team Merlin will be delighted to support Dreamflight once again”. Anyone interested in finding out more about Dreamflight can visit their website at www.dreamflight.org. To find out more about Team Merlin and where you can catch them displaying this season log on to www.teammerlin.airshows.co.uk.