This year’s Bournemouth Air Festival enabled Stevie Champ, who is supported by Diverse Abilities’ Supported Living Service, to achieve a dream.

Stevie, the Red Arrows’ number one fan, earlier this year received a terminal cancer diagnosis and his support team wanted to make sure the time he has left is as special as possible. This is when the idea was born to try and achieve Stevie’s dream of meeting a Red Arrows pilot.

On the second day of the Bournemouth Air Festival, following a number of phone calls, emails, questions, and lots of planning, Stevie accompanied by his parents and two members of his support team headed to the Marsham Court Hotel for a day out to remember. Amongst the excitement of the air displays taking place on Bournemouth seafront, Stevie and his parents received a very special meet and greet with not just one Red Arrows pilot, but eleven pilots and officers, an occasion which has only taken place once before when the Red Arrows met Queen Elizabeth II. Stevie was able to meet his heroes, as well as receiving a signed hat and having pictures taken to remember the day by.

Michelle Turner, Supported Living deputy manager, said: “This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for a very special person. It was a very emotional day for everyone involved, and we really want to thank the Red Arrows, the team at the Bournemouth Air Festival, and the Marsham Court Hotel for making this dream a reality.”