Sunderland boy flying high after RAF pilots and F1 driver back forces charity book

Jack Berry and his cousin Maisie collected more than £2,000 for Sunderland Royal Hospital at the start of the coronavirus pandemic after being inspired by Captain Tom Moore.

And now the teen, who is autistic, is preparing for the launch of his latest project, a book on planes and other aircraft and vehicles, with profits set to support armed forces veterans.

“All we wanted was to bring the RAF community and the world of autism spectrum disorder and selective mutism together,” said proud mum Sara.

“However, as the project has developed we have reached out to others from around the globe and I believe this echoes the importance of being kind to each other,

“Lives have been affected by COVID-19, but we have been able to show how important communities are – it is amazing the likes of Formula One and the RAF have wrapped their arms around a young child with additional needs.”

McLaren racing driver Lando Norris is among those who have contributed to the book, titled ‘Flying High in the Sunlit Silence’, as well as Squadron Leader Adam Collins of the Red Arrows, the RAF’s aerobatic display team and regulars at the Sunderland International Airshow.

The project features pictures by Jack, a pupil at Wearside’s Barbara Priestman Academy, with commentary added by figures connected to the technology depicted, including Spitfires, Sea Harriers, Chinooks and the McLaren MCL35.

Proceeds are expected to be donated to organisations including the International Bomber Command Centre, the Lincolnshire Lancashire Association and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association.

Simon Heporth, of Bomber Command Books, a micropublisher specialising in aviation history, hopes ‘something resembling the final product’ will be ready soon.

“They’ve tracked down all sorts of people and it’s been very good of everyone involved to put their time into the project,” he said.

“[When you’ve got] people like Bomber Command veteran John Meller involved it makes it all feel very real to know you have someone on board who was flying in the Second World War.”

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