Aviator from Aldwick raises £3,500 for British Heart Foundation

Ken Aitken was joined by his flying companion, Martin Eley, for the presentation to the chairman of the British Heart Foundation's local branch Jane Ramage.

The cheque was the result of the 17 days it took the pair to fly along the British coastline in a round flight from Goodwood airfield.

The 2,600-mile journey was beset by bad weather and took seven days longer than they expected.

But Mr Aitken, 58, of Aldwick Felds, said the sights from the cockpit of the Piper Archer PA28 made up for the delays and the challenge of tackling frequently poor conditions.

"It was an adventure never to be forgotten," he said. "We met some wonderful people, saw some awe-inspiring sights and received much encouragement and support, often from unexpected sources."

Mr Aitken decided on his trip, made possible by Goodwood Flying School, because he benefited from open heart surgery to fulfil his ambition to become a pilot.

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