Hello, my name is Arya.

First of all thank you for clicking on my fundraiser page, it means a lot that you decided to click on my story.

As a child, I would stop whatever I was doing to look up every time I heard an aircraft overhead. While most kids dreamt of becoming superheroes, I dreamt of one day sitting in the cockpit — guiding a plane through the clouds, chasing the horizon. Flying wasn’t just something I wanted to do; it was who I knew I was meant to be.

That dream has never wavered. But the road to the skies hasn't been smooth.

I have always revolved my life around becoming a pilot. This started with watching Air crash investigation documentaries as a kid followed by recently completing an aviation degree at school reaching the highest grades, double distinction. I also took part in the National Air Cadet Corps for two years gaining key skills such as discipline, time management and presentation skills. I did my first discovery flight with a family friend in their microlight aircraft and flew to the isle of wight. I loved it so much that I had to do it again!

Despite the excitement and dedication I brought to every step of my journey, I faced a life-changing challenge when my pilot medical certification was deferred due to my chronic kidney disease. Hearing that news felt like the ground being pulled out from under me — not because I doubted myself, but because I worried the one thing I had always worked toward might be out of reach.

But I didn’t give up.

I underwent countless appointments, medical reviews, tests — all while holding on to hope and pushing forward with relentless determination. Eventually, I cleared my medical. The skies were calling again.

I then went through one of the most selective application processes in the industry — filled with assessments and intense interviews — and was accepted into CAE Oxford Aviation, one of the world’s leading flight training programs. Being chosen wasn’t just an honour — it was validation that my dream was not only alive, but within reach.

I am now training to become a commercial pilot. Every day, I get one step closer to becoming what I’ve always dreamed of being. But there's one last mountain I need help climbing: the cost of training.

Flight school isn’t cheap — and while I’ve been able to cover a portion of it with savings from my job, the total cost is something I simply can’t carry alone.

That’s where I’m asking for your support.

Every donation, no matter how small, will go directly toward the cost of my pilot training — helping me stay on course, keep flying, and continue reaching for the dream that has been with me from the offset.

This dream is bigger than just flying a plane — it’s about proving that no obstacle, no illness, and no amount of struggle can keep someone grounded if they keep reaching for the sky.

If you’ve ever had a dream that felt impossible… if you’ve ever overcome something that tried to stop you… or if you just believe in helping someone who refuses to give up — I humbly ask you to stand with me on this journey.

I appreciate that if you are not able to donate, that you share this story on social media or with your loved one as that would be great help!

Thank you for reading my story. And thank you for helping me fly.