Mark Long Trust - Flying Scholarships for Disabled People

Header image: The first recipient of a Mark Long flying scholarship, Mark Morris, in a Piper Cadet at Sherburn Aero Club. (Photo: BBMF) (Inset: Mark Long)

After BBMF fighter pilot Squadron Leader Mark Long tragically lost his life in the crash of Spitfire Mk356 on 25th May 2024, his widow Beth and his family decided to set up a trust in his name to provide flying scholarships through Flying Scholarship for Disabled People, in his memory and as his legacy.

Funds raised by the generous donations made via the JustGiving website page have already enabled Mark Morris, who lives with cerebral palsy, to become the first recipient of a Mark Long scholarship and to complete his flight training, marking the start of the legacy that will open the skies to many more disabled people.

Mark Morris is 45 years old and comes from Grantham, Lincolnshire. The flying scholarship allowed him to complete a three-week flying course at Sherburn Aero Club, near Leeds. He said that the experience was “an honour” and that “everyone I know who knew Mark Long said that he was an exceptional, brilliant man and a talented pilot; everyone respected him.” He also said that learning to fly had been “really challenging and daunting, but became more fun as the time went on.” Squadron Leader Mark ‘Suggs’ Sugden (OC BBMF), who is the trust chairman, actually flew in a Sherburn Aero Club Piper Cadet with Mark Morris at the controls on 26th June and said he was really impressed with Mark’s piloting skills.

On 27th June Mark Long’s widow Beth and Suggs appeared on the BBC Breakfast Show to talk about the first recipient of the scholarship funded through the incredible tributes and donations following the tragic accident involving Mark Long last year.

Sufficient funds have already been raised for next year’s scholarship and the Mark Long Trust will be officially launched once the Charity Commission has given its approval for the trust to be a registered charity. The Trust aims to provide long-term aviation opportunities to those with disabilities by funding multiple scholarships for disabled people each year, investing in related aircraft modifications and championing aviation for all.