Ms Hickson was awarded an RAF scholarship at 17 – long before she passed her driving test. She had to fight to be accepted into the pilots programme and become part of the elite team of fast jet operators. She was only the second woman to fly a Tornado GR4 on the front line and completed four tours of duty and 45 missions over Iraq.

 

The Soroptimists, a professional women’s charitable fund-raising organisation, is urging those who wish to hear Ms Hickson’s inspiring story to sign up early as they are expecting the event to be extremely popular.

 

Guernsey Soroptimists president Shirley Marsh said: “Mandy Hickson’s story is one of success through adversity and we cannot thank Carey Olsen enough for stepping forward to give us the opportunity to bring Mandy to Guernsey.

 

“She is a truly inspiring individual and I am sure she has many life lessons for us all given her high risk professional life and her subsequent work as a board member and school governor.”

 

Mrs Marsh said the black tie event, to be held at St Pierre Park from 6.30pm until 11pm on Thursday 8 March, would have His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder and Lady Corder in attendance.  She added that whilst the Soroptimists is a women's organisation they very much encouraged both men and women to attend this important event in their calendar. 

 

Carey Olsen partner Elaine Gray said: “We are pleased to support the work that the Soroptimists in Guernsey do to raise funds for worthy causes. To hear Mandy Hickson's story is an opportunity not to be missed. She has had a fascinating life and promises to be a compelling speaker.”