by Graham Tutthill

gtutthill@thekmgroup.co.uk

Two amateur pilots – one a 16-year-old grammar school girl – have swapped the skies for saddles this week in a 281-mile charity bike ride.

Amy Brown and her father Robert are raising funds in memory of the Red Arrows’ Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging, who lost his life last summer.

They set off on the six-day ride from Manston Airport and are due to arrive at RAF Scampton, home of the Red Arrows, on Good Friday.

Mr Brown said: “I’ve never done anything like this before but when Amy heard about the Jon Egging Trust she felt she wanted to do something that would really make a difference.

“I’m a qualified pilot with Manston-based TG Aviation, where Amy has also had a few lessons, and we’re both fans of the Red Arrows.

“A week before the tragedy at Bournemouth Air Festival we were fortunate enough to meet the aerobatic team at Manston Airport, which they use as a base for some of the summer airshows. I think that is partly why the accident resonated with us and we wanted to do something for the Trust.”

Set up by his widow Emma, The Jon Egging Trust aims to give young people from disadvantaged backgrounds new opportunities to help them achieve their potential.

Robert and Amy, who live in Kingsdown, are cycling 40 to 45 miles a day using national cycle routes and stopping overnight in Rochester, Epping, Cambridge, Peterborough and Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire.

The Browns have also received support from outdoor clothing specialists Rohan and hotels along the route.

Although it is too early to say how much they will raise, Amy has been canvassing at Dover Grammar School for Girls where she is studying for her GCSEs and hopes to raise £2,000.

To sponsor Robert and Amy visit www.brownsbikeride.co.uk or follow them on twitter @BrownsBikeRide