Heroine pilot's food for thought

Flt Lt Goodman is the first woman to be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross

A decorated RAF pilot is helping to raise thousands of pounds for charity through sales of a new cook book.

Flt Lt Michelle Goodman, 32, a helicopter pilot from RAF Benson, has written a recipe for the Food For Heroes publication.

She became the first woman to be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) after rescuing a badly wounded soldier in Iraq in June 2007.

Flt Lt Goodman hopes to raise £10,000 for the Help for Heroes charity.

The Merlin pilot has included her recipe for lasagne in a new cook book, which has over 100 recipes including offerings from the prime minister and actor Sir David Jason.

She and her boyfriend Sgt Justin Churchill have already raised £2,000 towards the £10,000 target by selling the book at RAF events and air shows across the UK.

The 32 year old is currently waiting to deploy to Afghanistan with 78 Squadron.

Night-vision goggles

It was during her tour of duty in Iraq that Flt Lt Goodman was called to help save a soldier's life.

Wearing night-vision goggles, she flew her Merlin helicopter at speeds of 150mph to rescue rifleman Stephen Vause who had been seriously injured in a mortar attack and had 15 minutes to live unless he could be airlifted to hospital.

Flt Lt Goodman and Sgt Churchill have already raised £2,000

"On that night in Basra when I won the DFC I didn't think of the danger, my only thought was for my crew and the solider lying injured on the ground. I would like to think that if I was in that position someone would come to rescue me.

"Selling cookbooks may seem safe in comparison, but it's my way of doing my bit for such a worthy charity."

Flt Lt Goodman's next major charity fundraiser will be at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire on Saturday July 18 and Sunday July 19.