“He’d be over the moon”: Lincolnshire pilot’s legacy lives on through new generation of flyers
Two scholarships in memory of RAF Squadron Leader Mark Long will help open up flying to more people
A charity set up in memory of a Lincolnshire pilot killed in a Spitfire crash is helping more people take their first steps into flying.
RAF Squadron Leader Mark Long died in May 2024 while travelling to a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight event. Following his death, fundraising in his name led to the creation of the Mark Long Trust.
“It started as a result of some JustGiving that was raised,” says his brother, Matt Long, an ambassador for the trust. “We wanted to set up some sort of legacy in his name.”
The trust focuses on making flying more accessible - particularly for people with disabilities, ADHD and mental health conditions.
“Flying is an expensive hobby, profession,” Matt says. “So the way we’re making it accessible is raising funds… and supporting charities who have the tools… to impart that training.”
The Trust works with organisations including Fly for the Disabled and Fly2Help, who deliver the training.
Bex Harvey from Coningsby and Gavin Clarke from Worcestershire have been awarded the scholarships for 2026.
Forty-one year-old Bex has fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, while 40 year-old Gavin is an amputee with leg length issues.
Both have a real passion for aviation and will embark on their training this summer.
Matt says the idea behind the trust reflects what flying meant to his brother.
"He was always about people and anyone that worked with him, it wasn't about the rank, it wasn't about their ability, it was just the person that was in front of him.
"So the fact that this is opening up flying to far more people, he'd be over the moon," said Matt.