Tigers for Kids

Vinny Haigherty, Paul Rowen MP and a young flyer, Lauren, with pilot Adrian Matthews

‘Tigers for Kids’  is a charity is run from Rochdale, and pilot Adrian Matthews regularly takes poorly young people up for a trip of a lifetime. He runs his flights from Barton Aerodrome and Full Sutton Airfield in York with help from Littleborough-based Vinny Haigherty. The charity is also a family affair and Adrian’s mother Joan Matthews, a special need’s teacher also based in Rochdale helps with all the admin and presents each child with a certificate. The flight offers them hope in their tragic and often short lives.

Adrian Matthews, the founder of the Rochdale-based charity who freely admits he is scared of heights said: “Tigers for Kids has granted many air experience flights to the children who are poorly thus bringing them a day of adventure, fun, enjoyment and most important of all - hope - in their somewhat painful and tragic lives. The excitement of flying can assist in learning and motivating the children to carry on the fight against their illness. We encourage a positive attitude.

"Tigers for Kids is dedicated to providing these sick, terminally ill and handicapped children with a day of excitement, exhilaration and fun thus giving them memories and motivation to help eliminate the anguish and suffering each one faces everyday. I hear a lot of sad stories and I am pleased to do my little bit to help.” 

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen has praised the work  and even went up for a hair-raising flight, he said: “The flight was a little frightening but this is exactly the type of thing that these young people enjoy.

"They take patients from Christies in Manchester, Francis House Hospice, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, the Royal Liverpool Hospital and St James’ Hospital in Leeds amongst others.

"I know that many sick young people in Rochdale have benefitted from this exciting opportunity.

"I am especially proud that Adrian Matthews, a local Rochdale lad is behind this. His efforts have been a much needed lift for well over 500 unfortunate young people.

“I was able to discuss the difference that this flight makes with the parents of these young people. Despite only being for about 25 minutes, this is a memory that many of these young people hold for a lifetime.” 

Mr Rowen MP is now encouraging people to back the charity saying: “Having witnessed first hand the tremendous difference this charity makes to young people. I am encouraging anyone who would like to contribute to this excellent charity to get in touch with Adrian on 07737 424 558 or 01706 631 383.”