The Mark Long Trust are delighted to introduce our 1st of 2 Patrons, The current Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth CB, OBE, DFC, MA RAF.
#marklongtrust #aviationforall #bemoreschlongy
“As some of you may now know, I was awarded a Flying Scholarships for Disabled People and for 3 weeks in June I learned to fly, along with my paired buddy and friend Kirsty.
It was an incredible experience, and I loved every second of it, it was daunting at first, and challenging, hard work some days, and a lot of sweating from pushing what I can do. Glenn my instructor was trusting and patient, and never stepped in until it really was necessary, an excellent instructor.
Going into to it, I didn’t know what to expect, I didn’t even know if I’d be any good or how quickly I could progress, but we set the bar high on the first day, and Glenn maintained throughout both of us were above average compared to his usual students, obviously that was a big compliment.
I was very fortunate to be paired, by FSDP, with Mark Long Trust as my sponsor, born from the tragic Spitfire accident that brought an early end to Mark Long’s life, being local to Royal Air Force Coningsby where Mark was a well respected RAF instructor, his family are also local, I felt honoured to be the first person to be sponsored by Mark Long Trust. Along with that, came media interest, and Beth, his wife, Sugs, Officer Commanding of Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Official), and myself were interviewed by the BBC.”
“If you are disabled, it doesn’t matter what, know anyone who is disabled, then I would highly suggest you at least look into Flying Scholarships for Disabled People. Flying was something I never thought I’d ever be able to do, but by sheer luck last year, when Sara from RAF Cranwell randomly told me about it at a petrol station, I was presented with an amazing opportunity, and I would say to anyone eligible to apply for a scholarship”
Mark Morris
The Mark Long Trust was established in memory of Squadron Leader Mark Long, a passionate aviator tragically killed in a Spitfire crash at RAF Coningsby on 25 May 2024. Mark believed in the power of flight to inspire and uplift.
Our mission is to empower disabled individuals by providing them with opportunities to experience aviation. We aim to break down barriers and foster a community where everyone, regardless of physical ability, can share in the wonder of flight.
Inspired by Mark’s dedication and love for flying, the trust works to fund adaptive flying experiences, support specialized training, and raise awareness for Flying Scholarships for Disabled People (FSDP).
#MarkLongTrust #InclusiveAviation #Scholarships @_fsdp_@rafbbmf
RAF Typhoon Display Team member Eve is taking on an incredible challenge this October — cycling 600 miles from Lossiemouth to Coningsby in just 4–5 days — all in support of the Mark Long Trust.
This is an extraordinary test of endurance, determination, and heart. Eve is riding in honour of Mark’s legacy and to help us continue opening the skies to disadvantaged & disabled people through adaptive flying, scholarships and flying experiences.
We’ll be following her journey every step of the way. If you’re able to support her fundraiser, it would mean the world.
Donation link in our bio 🔗
#MarkLongTrust #BeMoreSchlongy #AviationForAll #TyphoonDisplayTeam #RAF
I’m really excited to have been invited by the @marklongtrust to create an artwork in support of this inspiring cause.
“The Mark Long Trust gives disabled individuals the wings to fly – building confidence through aviation experiences.”
This piece features the BBMF Spitfire TE311 alongside Schlongy’s 2016 Typhoon Display aircraft and will be auctioned later this year, possibly at RIAT.
If you don’t know anything about the trust, I urge you to take a look and give them your support (maybe even make a bid on the drawing).
#drawing #charitabletrust #raf #spitfire #typhoon
Wednesday 22nd April our Chairman Mark Sugden MBE was invited by Phil Anderton, the founder of ADHD360, to visit Sturgate Airfield in Lincolnshire to meet up with some of the young neurodivergent pilots that Phil coaches through their aviation journey. Graced with clear blue skies, it was a privilege to witness Archie Read (Diagnosed ADHD and Autism) plan and then fly his navigation flight as part of his private pilot qualification and go flying with Toby Goodale (ADHD and a qualified pilot) in the Lincoln Aero Club’s Piper PA 28 and Adam Driffill (Diagnosed autism and a qualified pilot and instructor) in his part owned Piper L4 club - an aircraft that served in WW2 in the Italy campaign.
Suggs said afterwards “I sometimes forget how much pleasure flying brings to people and I’ve never met more enthusiastic pilots, who were so completely in their element.”
Phil Anderton said “having Mark here was a huge morale boost for these lads. They are so competent and content, flying brings out the very best in them all. The system is often against them but they continue to thrive, succeed and lead their best lives. With the Mark Long Trust and other organisations like Aerobility we can make a huge difference for people that want fly and need to overcome either visible or invisible challenges. What a proud night this was”.
@adhdbeyondthelabel@360adhd@phila_adhd@aerobility
#marklongtrust #aviationforall #bemoreschlongy
That’s a wrap for Spitfire90!
‘K5054’ has now returned home to Goodwood, after two weeks of incredible flights commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Spitfire.
On behalf of us all at Spitfires.com and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, we would like to thank everyone who has played a part in this anniversary, from the squadrons and companies who have flown alongside us, to the stations and airports who have hosted us, the auction winners who have enabled us to support the @marklongtrust and @rafbf , and of course to anyone who has supported and followed our journey. It’s been an incredible two weeks, with memories made that will last a lifetime.
📸 Darren Harbar
#Spitfire90 #Spitfire #Anniversary
For the final flight of #Spitfire90, we were joined by @astro_timpeake who flew on board the Dakota from Exeter to Southampton.
Tim has been involved in Spitfire90, having judged the competition run by the @telegraph where one lucky winner was able to win a flight in ‘K5054’ as she returns back to @goodwood later today!
#Spitfire #Dakota #Astro
This week RAF Valley hosted one stage of the #Spitfire90 tour, a collaboration between the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Spitfires.com.
#spitfiresdotcom offers members of the public the unique opportunity to experience flights in authentic two-seat #Spitfires and also support two charities: the #MarkLongTrust, which empowers disabled individuals through aviation opportunities and the #RAFBenevolentFund, who provide lifelong support to serving and former RAF personnel and their families.
Through the actions of Spitfires.com, over £100,000 has been raised and will be split between the two chosen charities.
Imagery taken by @rafphotographers from RAF Valley and Visual Communications Operations.
Despite the weather, ‘K5054’ departed from @royalairforcevalley today and has arrived at MOD St Athan!
After meeting over Caernarfon Bay with two Texan T1 aircraft and a Jupiter HT1 helicopter, both from RAF Valley, ‘K5054’ flew along the coast around Wales whilst making her way to St Athan.
Due to the flight cancellation yesterday, subject to the weather conditions, ‘K5054’ will fly on to RAF St Mawgan tomorrow morning, and on to Exeter tomorrow afternoon. Route information will be posted as soon as possible.
Thank you to Cpl Gareth McGarvie Cpl Gareth McGarvie and AS1 Sam Marcham for capturing Spitfire90 at RAF Valley!
#Spitfire90 #Spitfire #Texan #Jupiter #Wales
This morning ‘K5054’ continued the Spitfire90 tour, leaving Prestwick and arriving into @royalairforcevalley !
During today’s flight, ‘K5054’ flew through the Lake District and along the coast around Blackpool and Southport, joined for part of the journey by a Hawk T2 from RAF Valley.
Due to the weather forecasts tomorrow, we will unfortunately be unable to fly however all being well and subject to the weather conditions improving, we will continue on to MOD St Athan on Wednesday, and fly two sorties to RAF St Mawgan and Exeter on Thursday. Route information will be posted as normal tomorrow evening.
#Spitfire90 #Spitfire #Hawk
