June always loved flying, and whenever she went on holiday, she looked forward to this part of the trip more than any other. From the early start at the airport, to the breakfast and cheeky prosecco before the flight (often at 6am), she looked forward to the whole experience.
So, in later life, when June was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, these opportunities became less frequent. Sadly around two years ago, she couldn’t fly and go on holiday any more.
In her final weeks, Jules thought about her mum’s love of flying and made a decision. She would fly again once more, and it would be literally the trip of a lifetime. One last chance to be free again and rid of this awful disease – her mum needed one last hurrah.
She didn’t have a clue how to make it happen, but started talking to some of her corporate contacts and came across a flight company called Air Charter Service (ACS). They couldn’t have been more helpful, and although they hadn’t received a similar request before, they promised to make this a reality.
A week went by and Jules feared that it might be too late, as June was deteriorating so fast. ACS said yes and then the hard work started. It was a job convincing the care home, the crisis team, social workers and safeguarding team that this was a good idea for someone with dementia. Jules drafted the risk assessments, did all the paperwork and wasn’t prepared to take no for an answer. There needed to be two carers on board, safety measures in place, and Mick had to go through an assessment with his social worker, due to his lack of capacity.
The day of the flight came, and we put June in the car for the short drive to Stansted Airport, singing along to her favourite songs – Come fly with me and Fly me to the moon by Frank Sinatra. This was on 30th January, literally two weeks before June died. She was initially very nervous and unsure of her surroundings, but then made Jules’ day by cracking the most beautiful of smiles. June understood what was happening, enjoying every single moment.
The staff from ACS couldn’t have made it more perfect. They reserved the executive lounge for the whole day, and eight of us were entertained with canapes and champagne. June particularly enjoyed the latter.
And then the moment came. We made the trip outside to the turboprop plane and suddenly four burly men appeared to carry June onboard. The pilots made us feel so welcome and began their procedures for take-off.
Sitting by her loving husband, Mick (60 years married), June looked so content. There was food and drink aplenty and a constant soundtrack of her favourite songs.
Take off came and went in a blur, and then the most extraordinary thing happened. We emerged above the grey, murky clouds and into the crisp, clean sunshine. June smiled as if she was released of all of her pain. Her face looked radiant like an angel, and she suddenly looked years younger. Even the pilots were in floods of tears.
We had done it and Jules (through happy tears) toasted her Mum and Dad. June was high above the clouds by now and in her peaceful, happy place. And ‘June’s Wish’ was born that day.