Fairford, Gloucestershire, 28 August 2026: Helen Webb, founder of Helen Webb Aviation and former Head of Marketing for the Royal International Air Tattoo, has launched Airshow Heroes, a new community initiative designed to give people going through cancer treatment and their loved ones special VIP days out at UK airshows.
Airshow Heroes is now urgently looking for its first family to attend the Hampshire Air Festival at Thruxton Aerodrome on 12–13 September 2026. The initiative is seeking nominations for a person currently undergoing cancer treatment who lives within manageable travelling distance of Thruxton, including Andover, Salisbury, Tidworth, Basingstoke, Swindon and the surrounding areas.
Created by Helen following her own recent diagnosis of aggressive breast cancer and the start of an 18-month treatment plan, Airshow Heroes will fund tickets, the VIP experience, goody bags, photography and memory-making extras for families local to each airshow.
The aim is simple: to offer a few hours of escape, excitement and shared joy at a time when families may need it most.
Helen Webb said: “I have been part of the airshow community for nearly 20 years and I know first-hand how uplifting aviation can be. Since my diagnosis, I understand even more deeply how important it is to create moments of joy, distraction and togetherness for both the person in treatment and the family and friends supporting them. Airshow Heroes is about using the magic of airshows to make difficult days feel a little lighter.”
Families do not need to include children to be considered. Airshow Heroes welcomes nominations for adults, couples, parents, carers, friends and family groups where someone is currently receiving cancer treatment and would benefit from a special day together.
With the airshow season drawing to a close, Helen hopes to find a family in time for the Hampshire Air Festival rather than waiting until next year. Anyone who knows a suitable family is encouraged to share the appeal and ask them to contact Helen Webb Aviation directly.
Supporters can also help by donating to or sharing the Airshow Heroes Crowdfunder campaign at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/airshow-heroes. Funds raised will be used to cover tickets and the additional touches that turn a day out into a lasting memory.
Helen added: “If you believe in the magic of aviation to create a moment of happiness for someone who needs it, please support or share Airshow Heroes. And if you know a family near Thruxton who are going through cancer treatment, please help us find them.”
Call for nominations
Airshow Heroes is seeking a family local to Thruxton Aerodrome, within around a 30-mile drive where possible, with a loved one currently undergoing cancer treatment.
To nominate a family or ask for more information, contact Helen Webb Aviation via email at fly@helenwebbaviation.com
