Today we’d like to introduce you to James Churchman.
Hi James, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My Mother, Barbara Churchman, passed in 1993 from leukemia. I knew then that I wanted to find my own way to give back in her memory. At that time, my career in the film industry was just getting off the ground so she did not get to witness my journey. My Dad built drive-in theaters and raised me in a machine shop. Naturally when I became a stuntman, I saw the equipment that was used and quickly started improving it. Then I developed one of the first computerized wire flying systems for the industry, like flying Superman on screen. We were doing an X-men movie in Montreal and I became friends with the owner of a famous restaurant there, he had a couple of children. So I invited his family to come have some fun, we would fly the kids on our wire system. It was wondrous, the kids were belly laughing. I was surprised to turn around and see tears running down their Mother’s face! What is wrong? She informed me that her daughter was a 2 time cancer survivor and they had not heard her laugh for a year… this was the moment that Flying Hero Club was born… this was the Universe showing me how to give back.
FHC’s goal is simple – to make kids smile! Sounds easy right? But what if you are ten years old and have been battling disease or disability your entire life? And now we make you smile?
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The idea of flying kids with disabilities is outside the box for a lot of people and corporations. My original idea is to serve kids in the most dire condition by going straight to Children’s Hospitals. That has proven to be difficult in today’s climate and even more difficult through covid. Support has come from some very special people, like the TrevorHabberstadFoundation. However, the hope is to partner with a corporate sponsor that sees value in our mission and helps us engage many more children. Until then, we simply do events whenever we can.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a 2nd Unit Director/Stunt-coordinator and have been lucky enough to work on some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters including 4 – X-men’s, Doctor Strange, Terminator Genisys, Venom 2, etc. we specialize in action of all kinds!
The crew is some of the most skilled, compassionate people on the planet. We have traveled the world together, fought through low moments, bonded during high moments, and forged friendships for life. When I told them what I want to do – every single one jumped at the opportunity to spread some love through our craft. And we are all most proud of this – FHC!
Our most exciting project was called Heaven Sent – where Luke Aikins jumped 25,000′ with no parachute… that adrenaline level was hard to beat!
What sets FHC apart is that the kids get to do something that few people get to do. They experience sensory stimulation that manifests with huge smiles! We hope to create moments where every kid that spends a day with us forgets about any other challenge they face.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.flyingheroclub.com
- Instagram: @flyingheroclub
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flyingheroclub/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSC9zJFUjYvc5QJY8VMBYhQ
Image Credits
Nate Dorn Dailyn Matthews
