The Douglas Bader Foundation, a charity backed by the British Royal family and Princess Diana in particular, has closed amid a ferocious family row. Founded in 1982 to help amputees, the charity was initially run by David Bickers, whose father-in-law, Douglas Bader, fought in the Battle of Britain. Around a decade ago, Charley Bickers joined the charity’s team as a contractor and introduced the first flight display team made up entirely of disabled pilots. He left under a cloud earlier this year, however, amid a furious argument with his father that descended into legal threats.
An inside source told British journalists that the situation was “desperately sad” and that charity staff always expected 44-year-old Charley Bickers to take over when his father, David, stepped down. Instead, “the relationship between the pair deteriorated, and the whole thing could now end up in court.”
Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader lost both legs in 1931 but nevertheless signed up to fight for his country in the Second World War – flying in the Battle of Britain and over Dunkirk. He received a knighthood from the UK’s late Queen Elizabeth II in 1976, recognizing his charity work for fellow amputees. The Queen’s mother, as well as Princess Diana, became patrons of the Douglas Bader Foundation, which opened the year the heroic pilot died. The group has given thousands of dollars to amputees and helped pioneer disabled sporting events.
The first signs of trouble emerged last summer when the organization suddenly announced the end of its awards and grants schemes. In August, Charley Bickers was informed that his contract with the organization had come to an end, and he initially accepted the situation. However, Mr. Bickers later contacted attorneys claiming unfair dismissal, but the Foundation argued he was never an employee and, therefore, was not entitled to employee rights.
Public records show that the Foundation operated with a significant financial loss last year, and in a statement on its website, David Bickers wrote that after forty years “of hard work and commitment, Douglas Bader’s name has been fulfilled, leaving a legacy that has supported so many people.”
