Flight Risk pulls together for Autism Unlimited at Dorset Plane Pull 2026

It took Flight Risk 41.56 seconds to pull a Boeing 737 over 50 metres at Bournemouth Airport. Behind that time was a group of RiskSTOP Group colleagues who had given up part of their bank holiday to support Autism Unlimited.

The team was taking part in Dorset Plane Pull 2026 on Monday 31 August. With a 35,000kg aircraft to move and colleagues cheering from the sidelines, there was support both on and off the rope.

Flight Risk was one of three teams taking part on behalf of Autism Unlimited. Between them, they have now raised more than £10,000 for the charity, which supports autistic children, adults and their families.

Charlotte Lillington, Brand Manager at RiskSTOP Group, said “It was fantastic to see everyone come together for such a brilliant cause. As an autistic person myself, supporting Autism Unlimited has a personal significance for me, so seeing colleagues give up part of their Bank Holiday to take part, cheer us on and support the cause genuinely meant a lot.”

Our fundraising from this year’s event will go towards the Sixth Form Pottery Art Room at Autism Unlimited. RiskSTOP Group colleagues chose the project, which will provide opportunities for autistic students to explore their creativity.

Plans are already moving forward. Dr Gill Barrett, Autism Unlimited’s Education Director, has started organising the purchase of potters’ wheels, a kiln and the equipment needed for the charity’s Artist in Residence to work with students.

Charlotte added, “Pulling the plane in 41.56 seconds was a brilliant team achievement, but what matters most is the impact behind it. Knowing that the money we’ve raised will help create the Sixth Form Pottery Art Room and provide opportunities for autistic students to explore their creativity makes me incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together.”

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The Plane Pull is part of our ongoing partnership with Autism Unlimited. Alongside fundraising, previous activities have included mock interviews and CV workshops, and welcoming learners to share their experiences of autism with our colleagues.

A big thank you to everyone who took part, helped with fundraising or came along to

cheer us on, especially those who joined us on their bank holiday Monday. Thank you, too, to everyone who donated to support the teams and the work of Autism Unlimited.

We’re proud of the part our colleagues play in our partnership with Autism Unlimited and look forward to seeing the pottery room take shape.