The aviation charity, Wings for Warriors, encourages ex-service personnel to overcome injuries and take part in flight training to become a commercial helicopter pilot.

The funding from Aberdeen Asset Management will see one ex-veteran enjoy an 18 month course of flight training, gruelling exams, underwater escape training and regular tests, leading to multiple job opportunities with air ambulance, coastguard and various others.

Student, Marc Goddard, 28, who was serving with the Royal Marines when he sustained life changing injuries has relied upon this charity to support him in a career that supports his current way of life and makes use of the skills he has.

Marc was chosen to take part in Wings for Warriors training, which takes place in Aberdeen, one Europes largest commercial helicopter centres.

Marc said: “I’m very grateful for the support I’ve had in making this dream become a reality. This is not only providing me with a future career but everything I lost from leaving the Royal Marines is being restored. It’s a second chance, a second career that draws on many of the qualities of my military training to gain commercial skills and, hopefully, a career in the offshore helicopter industry.”

Chris Kirk was 19 years old when he stood on an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Afghanistan. He lost his foot and his military career was over. He discovered Wings for Warriors with an online search, “can amputees fly helicopters?” and is now a fully qualified pilot and is serving as an instructor for the charity.

Chris said: “Without support from our donors like Aberdeen Asset Management, it would not be possible to do this and give veterans this fulfilling career that helps them and their families. I have been transformed from Chris the injured soldier to Chris the helicopter pilot and that is a massive change in my life. Wings for Warriors is helping change lives and prospects by restoring real meaning and purpose to people’s lives.”

Dominic Kite of Aberdeen’s Charitable Foundation added: “We love this charity and what it does to offer a new start to injured veterans. For many veterans, life outside of the forces can appear daunting and uncertain at the best of times. Add a life-changing injury to the equation and the future can quickly become a depressing place.

“Wings For Warriors provide these wounded warriors with the skills to achieve an exciting, rewarding and sustainable future for many years to come, in civil aviation. With rebuilt confidence, capabilities and pride Wings For Warriors graduates return to their communities as people to look up to instead of look after.”