Lucky bear!

Capt Paddy and Lucky continue flying for LauraLynn and Dogs Trust

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Capt Paddy and Lucky, the two bears who have been flying across the globe in a bid to raise funds for LauraLynn Children’s Hospice, and Dogs Trust Ireland, have extended their fundraiser for another nine months.

Jason Phelan, a local man who works for the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), came up with the idea in January of last year, and since then, the pair have hitched rides on aircraft of all shapes and sizes, some that many aviators only dream of flying, from fighter jets to classic airplanes and airliners from Aer Lingus, British Airways, Emerald Airlines, Ryanair, ASL Airlines, and Qantas.

Jason Phelan with Capt Paddy and Lucky.

Their efforts have raised €6,000 so far, and with new sponsors IAA and ASL Airlines Ireland on board, they have bigger plans for the year ahead.

“It’s been an incredible year,” Jason told the Westmeath Examiner. “Since they started out on their inaugural flight on January 18 last year, they have visited 19 countries, four continents, notched up over 250 hours flying time, and flown on 45 different types of aircraft

“They’ve had a great time lying top gun-style aerobatics on AlphaJets with the famous Flying Bulls in Austria, piloting a hot air balloon with a female world record breaker, and here at home they’ve participated in the Bray, Birr and Sligo air displays. They also hosted a successful ‘Women In Aviation’ fundraiser, and appeared on Virgin Media News, One News in Malta, and their story was among the top read Irish Times stories online."

Photo by Jason PHELAN

“It started this time last year here in the Westmeath Examiner, when I came to the offices to talk about my plans for the bears. The main aim was to raise awareness and funds for the LauraLynn Foundation and for Dogs Trust Ireland, and that continues to be our aim.”

The bears’ journey isn’t over yet, as Jason extended the challenge until September 30.

To follow and learn more about Capt Paddy and Lucky’s journey, support, go to www.aviationireland.ie, where you can also make and donation in support of the bears fundraiser.

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