Ray Parke flew more than 40 missions during the Second World War and now the former RAF flight engineer is hoping to climb aboard a plane again - for his 99th birthday.

Ray flew in Lancaster bombers and his family and friends have their eyes on an opportunity to be taxied in one of the very few remaining operational Lancasters ahead of his birthday in April.

The 98-year-old used to live in Thorpe St Andrew but now lives in the Warren care home in Wroxham Road, Sprowston.

Norwich Evening News: Ray Parke, second from left, during his RAF days Ray Parke, second from left, during his RAF days (Image: Submitted)

Ray has been heavily involved in public appearances over the last couple of years.

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This has resulted in him meeting the King at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, fronting a Remembrance Day service in Thorpe St Andrew and receiving the Dutch Medal of Liberation.

Norwich Evening News: Ray Parke was presented with the Dutch Medal of Liberation at the Warren care home in Sprowston in November 2023 Ray Parke was presented with the Dutch Medal of Liberation at the Warren care home in Sprowston in November 2023 (Image: Stephen Ames)

Ray was presented the medal in November by Wing Commander Martine Verhulst from the Dutch Embassy who hailed his service in the Battle of the Scheldt in 1944 as well as freeing her homeland of Zeeland.

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He is now also the focus of a documentary in production by University of East Anglia students.

Norwich Evening News: Ray Parke during his time in the RAF Ray Parke during his time in the RAF (Image: Submitted)

Ray said: “I can’t believe everyone. Everyone is so kind and interested and I just can’t understand why.

“If I can be any use or any help to anyone then it makes me very, very happy.”

DONATE: Support Ray Parke's mission to climb aboard a Lancaster bomber again

As part of the UEA documentary, a fundraising target of £5,000 has been set to hire the Lancaster used at Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre.

Norwich Evening News: Ray Parke was joined by his children, grandchildren and friends as he was presented the Dutch Medal of Liberation at the Warren care home in Sprowston Ray Parke was joined by his children, grandchildren and friends as he was presented the Dutch Medal of Liberation at the Warren care home in Sprowston (Image: Stephen Ames)

Dale Wiseman, who works with Ray to oversee his events, said: “With Ray’s age and his service he has done for our country, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up to reach out to communities who may be willing to donate small amounts of money in recognition of Ray’s service to allow him to once more board a Lancaster bomber.

Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre's packages for the Avro Lancaster NX611 ‘Just Jane’ start at £445 for the public but veterans are not charged full price.

Norwich Evening News: The Avro Lancaster NX611 ‘Just Jane’ at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre The Avro Lancaster NX611 ‘Just Jane’ at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre (Image: PA Wire)