Who have you been raising money for?
Dilwyn: I have raised over £20,000 since 1950, most recently for Air Ambulance and RNLI. The Air Ambulance, in particular, is a very important service that we need to keep flying. I have also raised money for the RAF Wings Appeal and as Vice Chair of the local RAFA I sell poppies too.
What did you do to raise money?
Dilwyn:I began by doing a power parachute trip from Tregaron to Aber race course, but I have also flown to Waterford in Ireland in a Cesna and most recently I was sponsored a pound for every foot I flew in a microlight aircraft from Talgarreg to Aberysytwyth (I flew in low over the harbour to greet the RNLI and then returned to Talgarreg) and raised over £2,000.
I use a friend, Tony Ware's plane and field, and the microlights are good because they are a cheaper form of flying. I'm a member of the British Microlight Association of the UK and take part in our annual rallies too.
When did you start flying?
Dilwyn: I was won over by the RAF who were training in Aberystwyth when I worked as a lab assistant at the University and I volunteered. I trained in British Columbia, Canada, and then spent two years in Burma as a gunner. I reached the rank of Warrant Officer and when I returned I started work selling farm chemicals. When I retired I started doing the charity work.
What do your family think of your fundraising exploits?
Dilwyn: I have a son who is a squadron leader in the RAF and he is very proud. I have four children who are all keen as long as I am safe but they do ask when I'm going to stop!
What have you got out of these flights?
Dilwyn: Well I get satisfaction, and I meet lots of new people when I am looking for sponsorship. But really, its the success, it works so you want to keep doing it.
Q&A with Dilwyn Williams
