BEVERLEY Reynolds has longed to fly in a helicopter since she was in her teens.

Now, at the age of 54 and suffering from a long-term condition called neurofibromatosis – and having recently been diagnosed as suffering from cancer – her dream has finally come true.

Thanks to a charitable foundation, Beverley went on a 30–minute flight over the Pennines and returned overjoyed with her experiences.

Beverley, of Fairfield Way, Tadcaster, said: “It was absolutely amazing. The views were unbelievable.”

She flew over Saddleworth Moor, following the route of the M62 and looking down over the valleys as the sun came out. “ I could have stayed up longer,” she said.

Beverley, who is staying at Highfield care home, operated by Barchester Healthcare at Scarthingwell Park, between Tadcaster and Sherburn-in-Elmet, originally planned to get herself sponsored to go up in the helicopter to raise funds for charity.

But then the home’s activities coordinator, Richard Sweeting, contacted the Barchester Healthcare Foundation, and it agreed to meet the £700 cost of the trip.

Richard, who is a town councillor in Tadcaster, said the trip had to be postponed four times last month because the weather was too windy before they were finally able to take to the skies last week.

He said he reluctantly agreed to go on the flight as well and enjoyed it more than he had expected.