About Bader Braves

It is a tremendous honour, limited to just 40 living people, to be awarded a Chieftainship and one of which Sir Douglas was extremely and justifiably proud.

(From: “This Week in Canadian History” (Oct. 3 – Oct 9, 1818 – 1998): ‘Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) was honoured with the name “Red Crow” when he became the first Kainai Chief at a ceremony in Lethbridge, Alberta. The Kainai (Blood Indians) of southern Alberta created the honorary chieftainship to recognise individuals who have contributed either to the Blood people or to humanity in general. Membership is limited to 40 living persons and the honour is highly prized. Among those who have been members are Douglas Bader (Morning Bird), Pierre Berton (Big Plume), and Pope John Paul II (Big Holy White Father).’

The DOUGLAS BADER FOUNDATION has been continuing Sir Douglas’s work with amputees since his death almost 30 years ago and has many projects both completed and underway to assist amputees and other disabled.  However, we are particularly excited about this new enterprise. We know that BADER BRAVES, combining, as it does, Sir Douglas’s respect for the Native Canadian Indians, his delight in his Honourary Chieftainship and his love of children would be a venture particularly close to his heart.

To date there are very few initiatives aimed specifically at helping children with limb deficiency and other disabilities and their families and we hope you will agree that this is a worthwhile cause and an exciting project. As always, the DOUGLAS BADER FOUNDATION relies almost entirely on fund-raising to survive and to continue to assist amputees and other disabled and we would be delighted to hear from anyone with ideas, fund-raising or otherwise, to support this venture.

In a nutshell:

• BADER BRAVES will support children with limb loss and other physical disabilities by offering unique experiences and improving life-skills to increase confidence. The Douglas Bader Foundation has always acknowledged the importance of the children’s families and carers and, in supporting the children, also aims to benefit those people involved in their lives.

• BADER BRAVES will incorporate The Douglas Bader Foundation’s already proven Young Aviators’ Days providing youngsters from 6-16 with limb deficiency and other disabilities with the opportunity of experiencing flight in a light aircraft.  We held 5 of these enormously enjoyable and beneficial days in 2010 and almost doubled that in 2011. We have an amazing 12 of these literally uplifting Flying Days scheduled for 2012. The Caernarfon venue has proved so popular that Caernarfon Airport generously organised 2 events to avoid disappointing many excited children. We continue to enlist the support of new airfields in different parts of the country so that we can offer Young Aviators’ Days to more youngsters.

You can find information about the Young Aviators Days by clicking on the link.

As well as offering more Young Aviators’ Days, we will be adding Events as time goes on including more Adventure Weekends and other activities and challenges so please keep checking the pages for updates and do feel free to contact us with ideas and thoughts. We would be delighted to receive your input. Our Winter Wonderland Weekend at Kielder was a great success and, by popular demand, will not be the last!

If you would like to learn more about BADER BRAVES and/or how you can get involved please contact:

KEITH DELDERFIELD (DBF Director of Operations):

The DOUGLAS BADER FOUNDATION Administration Office:

45 Dundale Rd, Tring, Hertfordshire, HP23 5BU

Email: douglasbaderfdn@btinternet.com

Mobile: +44 (0) 7831 596015

Fax: +44 (0) 1442 826662

We look forward to hearing from you!