A MAN fighting a debilitating disease is flying high after a surprise flight in a glider plane.

Aviation enthusiast Rob Fawcett fulfilled a lifelong dream by taking to the skies, despite suffering from Motor Neurone Disease (MND) which has sapped strength from his arms and legs.

The 52-year-old was treated to two flights by Lisa Cairns, Mr Fawcett’s occupational therapist at St Oswald’s Hospice, in Newcastle, and Northumbria Gliding Club, of Chopwell, Gateshead.

Mr Fawcett, from Newcastle, said: “It was really good. I wasn’t frightened but the take-off was a little bit hairy, I must admit.

“We went up like a rocket and that was quite an experience but once we were up there it was brilliant.”

The married father-of-one was diagnosed with MND in early 2010.