Woman Told She Wouldn't Make It to 30 Achieves Dream As Flight Attendant

People with Down syndrome want the same opportunities as everyone else but sometimes they face added difficulties, particularly around employment. Vicky Silk was one of those people until an airline decided to give her a chance.

Her parents, Gerry and John, were told she is unlikely to live past her teenage years due to multiple lung and heart conditions. But she has defied the odds and recently celebrated her 30th birthday doing what she loves.

Silk, from Croydon, London, has proved that the sky is the limit as she lives out her dream of volunteering with airline Virgin Atlantic.

Newsweek spoke to her proud mom Gerry, 63, who said: "We've always loved going on holiday, and as Vicky got older, she started to admire the cabin crew. The airline has made her dreams come true."

In 2013, Silk expressed her desire to be a flight attendant which prompted her dad John, 63, to contact multiple airlines to see if they would be willing to give her work experience. His efforts were to no avail until Virgin Atlantic agreed.

Gerry said: "It all started with them saying they don't offer with work experience nor with someone with special needs. It is just magic."

Since then, the family have made a lifelong friend called Ryan Johnstone, 41, who is a flight manager for the airline.

He told Newsweek: "Originally, Vicky's family reached out to Virgin Atlantic to enquire about potential work experience opportunities. Subsequently, they were invited to our old training facility for a few days, during which Vicky had the chance to observe cabin crew and ground staff training. She was even given some uniform items in an old style."

In September, Silk celebrated her 30th birthday and was gifted the iconic red two-piece uniform that was designed by the legendary Vivienne Westwood.

Speaking about her initial training, Gerry said: "Everyone fell in love with her, we weren't surprised at all as that usually happens. The crew was shocked that she knew the safety procedure by heart."

On a flight to St. Lucia, the family met Johnstone and he took Silk under his wing. Now, he goes above and beyond to ensure he can fly with Silk whenever he can.

Johnstone, who lives in Manchester, U.K., told Newsweek: "Vicky's dream of becoming cabin crew instantly captivated me.

"Over the years of flying together our relationship has grown, with special experiences created to make her journeys unforgettable. Each flight Vicky would actively participate in in-flight services and visit the flight deck.

"Our bond extended far beyond these moments, after our first flight together I maintained contact with the family, sending birthday and Christmas cards and sharing FaceTime calls. The following year, when they chose to fly to Cuba, I felt deeply honored when they asked if I could be on the flight. Without hesitation I agreed, and agreed each time after."

Once up in the air, Silk is always keen to get out of her seat to help serve food, collect rubbish and gossip in the galley.

Johnstone said: "Seeing Vicky actively participating in the in-flight activities brings me immense joy and satisfaction. It's like watching a dream come true, and it warms my heart to know that I've played a part in making that happen.

"Vicky's enthusiasm always makes me proud. It's incredibly inspiring to witness Vicky's involvement; a simple, yet heart-warming feeling that reinforces the value of genuine connections and the beauty of making dreams a reality."

In September, the pair flew together on a flight to America where Vicky was whisked off from the moment she arrived at the airport and reunited with her parents on the flight.

"During the briefing for a flight to Las Vegas, I was determined to make it an unforgettable experience for Vicky and her family. When she arrived in her Virgin Atlantic uniform, I knew it was destined to be a fantastic day.

"We had Vicky participate in various in-flight services and even arranged a visit to the flight deck upon landing. The passengers and the entire crew loved every moment of it," Johnstone said.

In the U.S., many people with Down syndrome complete high school, more are going on to a postsecondary education and a handful have even received graduate degrees, according to the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. Many people with Down syndrome can work, volunteer and vote.

Gerry hopes her daughter's story will not only inspire people but encourage disability inclusion within workplaces.

She said: "There is a perception that anyone who is disabled is not capable. Employers think it's too complicated, and companies are reluctant. It would be a wonderful thing if every person could give one person a chance to illuminate their minds and see things are possible.

"There is a lot of people out there like Vicky who can contribute more than people who don't have learning difficulties. She has a huge heart and cares enormously about people."

Researchers from the Department of Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology at Loyola University Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, carried out a survey to learn more about employment in adults with Down syndrome.

The results found 57 percent of 511 adults were working in a paid job, 26 percent were volunteers and almost 3 percent of respondents were self-employed. Of those who answered the questions relation to type of paid work experiences, hospitality and office based roles seemed to be the most common. Some participants worked in grocery stores and eight percent worked in a workshop or warehouse.

Inadequate transport was one of the reasons why 30 percent of the respondents were unemployed. And 33 percent cited other reasons, including lack of job-skill teaching programs and job coaching.

Johnstone said: "I strongly believe that people with disabilities should be given more opportunities in workplaces. Everyone, regardless of their abilities, should have equal opportunities. It's not only a matter of fairness and inclusivity but also a recognition of the valuable skills, perspectives, and talents that individuals bring to the workplace. By promoting diversity and inclusion, we create a richer, more dynamic work environment that benefits both employees and employers."

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