Kitty’s fundraising story

Microlight flights have become a popular adventure for Leuchie guests, so we were delighted when Kitty, a regular guest at Leuchie House, decided to use this challenge as an opportunity to fundraise.

Kitty come to Leuchie for a short break several times a year.

Formerly a PE teacher, she was diagnosed with MS in 1983 and has now been a wheelchair user for over 20 years.

Knowing the importance (and cost) of specialist equipment, she made it her goal to raise £3,000 to buy a new mobile hoist by challenging herself to go on a microlight flight.

On the big day, the team from Leuchie House supported Kitty to transfer from her wheelchair into the tiny aircraft using a mobile hoist. Before she knew it, she was flying high above the East Lothian countryside and coastline.

Landing back at the East of Scotland Microlight Centre, Kitty was elated, not only to have completed her challenge, but to have raised over £7,300, double the amount that she’d hoped for.

“It was an amazing experience,” she said. “I’m so glad to have been able to do this for Leuchie House. To me Leuchie is the best place on earth. It’s the one place I can come that has all the care and the equipment that I need to be able to have a holiday. It gives both me and my primary carer, Jan, a break from one another and a chance to fully recharge our batteries.”