Zakk glides through solo flight test
A youngster from Cannock Chase whose heroic battle against leukaemia was featured in a television programme has flown solo at a gliding club the day after his 16th birthday.
Zakk Hutton took to the skies at the Midland Gliding Club on the Long Mynd in Shropshire to earn his glider pilot's wings, watched by proud parents Sue and Kelvin.
Only bad weather prevented him making the landmark flight on the day of his birthday, the earliest he was legally able to go solo. Zakk joined the club in May 2007 and has been a regular visitor.
Although his illness has severely limited his other sporting activities, he quickly shone with his airborne abilities. His instructor, Mike Greenwood, said: "Zakk has been an excellent pupil and was a competent pilot in a very short time.
"He has been ready to fly solo for some time. Frustratingly for him, we cannot legally send anyone solo before their 16th birthday.
"On his birthday, bad weather stopped all flying, but on Saturday it was clear and calm.
"After a couple of dual check flights I sent him off on his own.
"He made two perfect flights to earn his glider pilot's wings." Zakk, from Hednesford Road, Norton Canes, was diagnosed with leukaemia three years ago and his battle against the disease was featured in the BBC programme Children Fighting Cancer in June 2007.
Specialist treatment at the Birmingham Children's Hospital halted the advance of the leukaemia but the continuing medication and monthly chemotherapy have badly affected his mobility.
He continues his education at Chase Town Specialist Sports College but his sporting activities have been restricted.
Midland Gliding Club's Chris Ellis said: "Zakk is now learning to drive and is also taking power flying lessons. He is a truly remarkable young man and an inspiration to all."
