Ken Tyrell

PATRON

Ken became an airline pilot as a result of a chance sighting of an advertisement for pilots for BEA and BOAC. He graduated from 'The University of the Air' in Hamble in the early sixties. In 1966 he flew his first Trident and spent the next thirty years flying passenger aircraft. 

Ken got his taste for speed and excitement from his father, Ken senior, who ran the phenomenally successful Tyrell Formula 1 racing team who enjoyed spectacular success powering Jackie Stewart to three World Championships by 1973. 

The racing team was a family-run affair, and Ken junior supported the finance side of the business whilst maintaining his flying career. 

Ken and his wife Sandy have supported a number of charities over the years. While Ken continued to fly European routes, Sandy became a Trustee at Disability Challengers, a charity providing play and leisure to young disabled people. Ken & Sandy have both been personal financial supporters and Ken has used his connections with motor racing to raise significant funds for charity.

Ken served as Disability Africa’s Chairman from its inception in 2011 until 2019, when he decided it was time to take a step back. He now maintains an active role as our newest Patron.