Back in 2009 Aidan was one of the 192 children selected to come on that year’s Dreamflight trip. Little did he know that it would lead to a career as a pro-golfer and a friendship with Ryder Cup hero (and Dreamflight Patron) Ian Poulter!
As a child, Aidan’s medical condition meant that he wasn’t able to continue playing football and cricket, so he turned his attention to golf. Aidan said: “The illness robbed me of my mobility, and I ended up having to use a wheelchair for almost three years. I endured nine months of chemotherapy, countless tablets, many different forms of treatment and have been in and out of hospital more than 100 times.”
When the Dreamflight plane touched down in Orlando, the golf-mad youngster was introduced to Ian Poulter on the tarmac and their friendship started there. The trip gave Aidan a chance to be independent, grow in confidence and – in his own words – he came back a “different person”, determined to focus on his own golf on his return.
After years of hard work, he is now a golf professional and gives back by acting as a Dreamflight ambassador and fundraiser for the Charity. A recent golf day organised by Aidan at Garforth Golf Club, raised over £9,700 which will pay for at least two children to experience their own holiday of a lifetime on the next Dreamflight trip.
When thanking the golf day supporters, he said “If it wasn’t for Dreamflight back in 2009 I wouldn’t be standing where I am today, so it means the world to me.”