142. Ricky Ellcock: Defying Limits- from Cricket Pitch to Cockpit

Sue Stockdale interviews Ricky Ellcock, a man who defied significant challenges to excel in two remarkable careers: professional cricket and aviation. Raised in impoverished conditions in Barbados, Ricky's journey saw him overcoming racial and socio-economic barriers. His ingenuity as a child, along with his resilience in facing career-ending injuries, led him to become Virgin Atlantic's first Black 747 captain. Ricky shares his experiences of culture shock at an elite English boarding school, fighting through debilitating injuries, battling depression, and ultimately redefining success. His story is one of humour, humility, and relentless determination to achieve one's dreams, and serves as a powerful inspiration for aiming high despite the odds. About Ricky Ellcock Captain Ricky Ellcock was born in 1965 in Redman’s Village, St Thomas, Barbados. He attended Combermere School, Barbados before gaining a scholarship to Malvern College, Worcestershire, England at 15 years old. Ricky made his first Class debut as a 17 year old fast bowler for Worcestershire CCC before being selected for the England cricket team at 24. A major back injury and two unsuccessful back operations was to ultimately end his cricket career. He retrained in 1993 as a pilot at the British Aerospace Flying College and gained his MSc in Air Transport Planning and Management at The University of Westminster. Ricky joined Virgin Atlantic Airways in 1997 as their first black pilot and would go on to take command of the Boeing 747-400 (Jumbo) from 2005 until 2015 before switching to command the 787-900 (Dreamliner). Connect with Ricky Ellcock via LinkedIn: Website: and find out about his book Balls to Fly Time Stamps 02:08 Ricky's Early Life in Barbados 04:07 Cricket Career and Challenges 06:23 Cultural Shock and Education in England 12:04 Injuries and Setbacks in Cricket 20:00 Transition to Aviation and Overcoming Depression 24:32 Becoming Virgin Atlantic's First Black 747 Captain 32:18 Health Challenges and Writing a Book Key Quotes  Everything that I saw was new. I'd never worn a jacket. I'd never seen a colour TV or a toaster. At 16 years old, I could probably bowl a ball, near enough 90 miles an hour.My dad said  black people don't fly aeroplanes.  I think every professional sportsman has to be dedicated. You have to have a major work ethic..Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Producer: Sue Stockdale  Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.