I met a truly inspirational man today – who just happens to be a friend of Buzz Aldrin!
He’s Mike Miller-Smith who’s earned an MBE for his services to a really great organisation called Aerobility, which gives disabled people the chance, not just to be a passenger in a small plane, but to actually take control and fly it! Mike has always loved to fly – but, since he joined what used to be called the British Disabled People’s Flying Association, he has literally taken the charity to new heights. He’s now CEO – and it’s his job to run it, and raise the money needed to keep it going, giving hundreds of people the chance to defy their disabilities and fly.
Mike and Anne in the studio at BBC Radio Berkshire
When he was looking for patrons, he thought – who did he know who could be useful? And then he realised he knew a friend of a friend of a friend who just happened to know Apollo 11 astronaut, aviator, second man on the moon, and downright legend Buzz Aldrin. Buzz liked the sound of what Aerobility did, and popped in to see them when he was next in the UK. Result – he’s now a huge supporter and patron.
And – what’s more – Mike has invited me to go see them next time Buzz is in town. I can barely contain myself. One small step for him, one giant leap for me!!!!!!!
