RAF veteran, 85, given Spitfire flight in recognition of role as wife’s carer

An RAF veteran has achieved the “ambition of a lifetime” by taking a flight in a Spitfire organised as a thank you for his “selfless” caring for his wife.

John Allinson, from Reading, Berkshire, was given the chance to fly in the fighter plane after his granddaughter contacted the Red Letter Days experience gift company.

The 85-year-old, who served in the military police for five years from the age of 17 and who reached the rank of corporal, took his flight from Solent Airport in Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire.

“I have always loved the Spitfire since I joined the RAF and I did have a chance to fly in a small Harvard two-seater but it’s nothing like this.

“I didn’t know anything about this until a week ago, they kept it from me.”

Granddaughter Lauren Allinson said she had organised the flight because her grandfather was a “very special man” who dedicated himself to looking after his wife, Gwen.

“He has been caring for my nan for 12 years and he often cannot get out, let alone do something like this.

“I contacted Red Letter Days so he can have one final memory given all he has done.”

Mr Allinson was taken for a 20-minute flight in the Mark Nine Spitfire, originally built in 1944, which took him over the Isle of Wight and the Needles.

Dan Mountain, chief executive of Red Letter Days, said it had gifted the trip to Mr Allinson as part of its #NoMoreSlippers campaign to challenge preconceptions of what older people are capable of.

“What he has achieved during his lifetime is admirable, and we’re so pleased we were able to make this happen.

“John is a fantastic role model, proving that you’re never too old to have adventures and live life to the fullest.”