A 10-YEAR-OLD boy fighting a brain tumour earned a set of fighter pilot wings when he enjoyed a day at RAF Lakenheath.
Alex Lister, from Wicken, has a brain tumour which doctors are unable to operate on.
On Tuesday he visited RAF Lakenheath as part of its pilot for a day programme, to take a break from routine hospital visits.
During his visit Alex received a custom-made flight suit, a close-up view of an F-15E Strike Eagle and HH-60G Pave Hawk, a look through night-vision goggles, an air traffic control tower tour and a birds of prey demonstration.
At the end of the day he received a set of fighter pilot wings.
Alex toured the facility with Max Rowlandson, aged five, from Saffron Walden.
Captain Charles Price, a 492nd Fighter Squadron pilot, said: “Showing them what we do on a daily basis is the least I can do for these guys.
“They were thrilled to be here. Just seeing the smiles on their face is what keeps me going.”
The pilot for a day programme was founded in March 2012 by Major Jason Bianchi, 493rd Fighter Squadron pilot, for children in the community fighting life-threatening illnesses.
After his visit, Max said: “I want to fly one! It was awesome!”
His father Daniel added: “It has been very beneficial to my son. He’s got a love for aircraft and for him to have the opportunity to see them is very exciting.”
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