Angel Flight gives sick kids wings
Published: March 22, 2007
MORUYA man John Gillett is the Eurobodalla’s one and only Angel Flight pilot. His voluntary job consists of flying sick children, who live in isolated areas, to a major hospital.
And for this he gives up his time, his plane, and his resources.
But there is just one down-side. The retired police officer is still waiting for the area’s health system to cotton on.
For the two years that Mr Gillett has been involved with the charity, he’s flown 10 children to a metropolitan hospital but none were from the Eurobodalla.
Considering the aim of Angel Flight is to coordinate non-emergency flights for financially and medically needy people, he’s pretty sure there are local people who fit the bill.
Mr Gillett said not only is the service available, but it’s a great way to get sick children to their destination without sitting on a bus for hours.
“It’s a bit of a buzz for them and it’s very rewarding as a pilot,” he said.
“We’ve also got Earth Angels, who pick them the children up and take them to the hospital.”
Mr Gillett first took to the skies 22 years ago.
He learnt to fly in the four-seater Piper Cherokee, which he still uses for his charitable service.
After retiring in Moruya, the town he grew up in, he came close to also retiring his plane. But after he discovered the charity, he once again found a use for the hobby he had fallen in love with.
“Angel Flight gave me a whole new purpose to flying - I’m enjoying it more than ever.”
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