Flight Story #1300
London, UK > Winnipeg, CA $1,283.76 CAD
Alison is flying from across the Atlantic to be with her grandpa Tom—thanks to the generosity of Billy Bishop, who made her flight of compassion possible.
Her grandfather is living with terminal leukemia. The end is near, and Alison knew she couldn’t miss the chance to say goodbye. But getting there was nearly impossible.
As a Canadian living in the UK, She and her husband had to borrow thousands for her visa, and he’s been their main source of income ever since. “Since then, my finances have been very unstable.” After surgery in early 2023, Alison developed seizures that cost her job. She has become a self-employed nail technician, and works as much as she can without triggering her epilepsy. She’d saved up air miles for years, but they only covered part of one way.
But Alison wasn’t backing down —this trip was a priority. “My grandpa is such a kind, gentle, giving soul.” Though not related by blood, he—and her grandmother—never made her feel anything less than family. “Even though we weren’t related to my grandparents by blood… they treated my sister and I as if we were and still do.”
It’s not just a goodbye—it’s a thank you.
She remembers little things, like her grandpa always helping with her car or enjoying his favorite black licorice and Pepsi. Through every memory, the intentions of her grandpa shone through to “live simply to help everyone around (him).”
Thanks to the support of Billy Bishop Airport, Alison will have the chance to return home, to wrap her arms around the man who helped shape her into who she is, and to share one last moment of love.
Thank you Billy Bishop for making this flight possible. Thank you for giving Alison the gift of a final goodbye.