A FORMER pilot who has severe dementia has been given a special experience by the Isle of Wight care home where he lives - the chance to get back into the air.

Mike Creed has had a lifelong passion for flying.

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This week, thanks to Dan Subhani at the Isle of Wight Airport in Sandown and managers at Vecta House, the 79-year-old enjoyed his first flight in an aircraft in many years.

"It's in the family. It's in my blood," Mike told the Isle of Wight County Press.

Afterwards, back on terra firma, the pensioner had a big, broad smile, thanked Dan and said: "It was absolutely fantastic!"

Mike was the first to benefit from a new initiative designed to give residents an experience that will fill a huge void in their lives.

Vecta House in Newport calls it 'I'm Never Too Old To ....'

The home specialises in the care of people with dementia - some aged as young as 50 - as well as those with schizophrenia and who are bi-polar.

Mike has been living there for just over a year, having been diagnosed with dementia, and staff have worked hard to ensure he is content.

Isle of Wight County Press: Mike Creed, left, flew with pilot Dan Subhani from the Isle of Wight Airport. Mike Creed, left, flew with pilot Dan Subhani from the Isle of Wight Airport. (Image: Tanya Everson)"Life enrichment is a very important part of our residents' care," said Tanya Everson, the head of lifestyle.

"We spend lots of time getting to know each resident - their life history and what their hobbies and interests are and were.

"When talking to Mike, we discovered he would spend hours reminiscing about his past and how passionate he is about flying."

Nichola Shepherd, senior general manager, said Mike has complex needs — "with no family and no one else in this world. We are his family now."

Born in Aldersot, Mike joined the Air Training Corps as a boy aged 14, then went on to gain his glider pilot's licence at 16.

Isle of Wight County Press: Mike Creed with Nichola Shepherd, senior general manager of Vecta House in Newport.Mike Creed with Nichola Shepherd, senior general manager of Vecta House in Newport. (Image: Tanya Everson)

He spent five years in the RAF and served in both Newmarket and in Bahrain doing teleprinting telecommunications.

The pensioner is proud of his family's flying heritage, with an uncle who also served in the RAF, flying Lancaster bombers during the Second World War and Tiger Moth aerobatic displays at Farnborough Air Show.

He also fondly recalled visiting Shanklin with his parents as a child, fell in love with it and, when he retired, moved to the seaside town.

When Mike was asked what he would like to do under the 'I'm Never Too Old To ....' scheme, it was an easy decision.

"We rang the airport and asked if it was possible for someone with advanced dementia to fly and what they felt about it," explained Tanya.

"They were absolutely amazing. Straight away Dan said yes and would do it for free. He likes to help people out of kindness."

Isle of Wight County Press: Mike Creed at Vecta House on Newport.Mike Creed at Vecta House on Newport. (Image: Jon Moreno)

Isle of Wight County Press: The aircraft Mike Creed flew in from the Isle of Wight Airport in Sandown.The aircraft Mike Creed flew in from the Isle of Wight Airport in Sandown. (Image: Tanya Everson)

Nichola said she hoped Mike's experience was "the first of some exciting times ahead."

One resident has suggested a tea dance, while another wishes to sail.

"Wanting to do favourite activities while living with advanced dementia takes a lot of planning and risk assessing — but it's worth it," said Nichola.

"Residents with poor recall will always have a video and photographic record of their experience.

"Some of them will have really dark days, but if we can ask, 'do you remember when ....?,' hopefully that will bring back those happier times."

"The 30-minute flight was successful. Mike had a blast," said Tanya.