Dartmoor teen launches fundraiser for gliding club’s new facilities

A young member of Dartmoor Gliding Club has taken to GoFundMe to raise funds for a much-needed new launch point facility.

Fourteen-year-old Zack Smith, who dreams of one day becoming a Naval Pilot, started the fundraiser to help improve the club’s amenities and show appreciation for the volunteers who support him and other members.

Zack, who attends the club weekly and more frequently during school holidays, has set a fundraising goal of £1,000. 

“I absolutely love it here! Zack shared. My eventual goal is to become a Naval Pilot. I have great admiration for my instructors and mentors within this club, giving their time up to guide, assist and instruct me. This is the reason for me starting this fundraiser; to acknowledge and show appreciation for them and all club members.”

The current facility on the west side of the airfield is a small, aging portacabin that offers limited space and lacks adequate amenities for visitors, members, and club equipment. 

Zack hopes the funds will provide “a warm and dry area” for visitors, with space for refreshments, parachute storage, and a basic administrative area. 

The new setup would also create a dedicated launch control area to enhance the club’s operations.

Club Secretary Steve Fletcher praised Zack's initiative, stating: “Zak has done a great job in creating this GoFundMe page. He is only 14 years old but is full of enthusiasm and ideas for the club. It's great to see a kid of his age so engaged and wanting to help our small club. The launch hut is in desperate need of replacement; it’s well beyond repair, having served us well over our 42-year history. Any publicity for Zak and his initiative would be great.”

Dartmoor Gliding Club, a not-for-profit Community Amateur Sports Club, strives to make gliding accessible to people of all backgrounds and experience levels.

“We keep our prices as low as possible to bring gliding to a wider group of people,” Mr Fletcher added. 

The club is known for its friendly atmosphere, offering visitors opportunities to experience gliding for the first time and welcoming members of all ages and abilities.

Zack encourages people to support his fundraiser and help the club continue its mission. “Please come along and book a flight and try it for yourself...you will love it!” he wrote on his fundraising page.

“Show your support for a small club that depends solely on volunteer members.”

To support Zack, follow the link here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/Fund-my-gliding-clubs-new-launch-point-facility