FLOODED ROADS ATTRACT ANGELS TO MUNGINDI

Road closures caused by torrential rain over SE Queensland and Northern New South Wales can have devastating consequences for those living in remote areas. This has certainly been the case for two Mungindi residents who, because of road closures, feared they would be unable to travel to Toowoomba for vital medical treatment.

Thanks to the dedication of Angel Flight pilots Barry and Cheryl Arentz of Brisbane their fears were allayed and they travelled by air to Toowoomba on two separate flights absolutely free of charge. 

The first of the two flights left Mungindi on Sunday 12th December with 82-year-old Jim Nolan on board.  Travelling with his wife, Shirley, Jim was scheduled to undergo back surgery on Monday 13th December and was advised that the operation was critical and any delay should be avoided. They arrived in Toowoomba an hour later.

 

The Angel Flight pilots Cheryl and Barry, then returned to Mungindi, this time to pick up Russell Frew. With severe pain in his left arm arising from an infection related to previous wrist and arm injuries, it was vital that Russell saw a specialist to assess his condition with the likelihood of him requiring immediate surgery. 

Having already completed three previous Angel Flight Missions, Barry and Cheryl reflect the spirit of Angel Flight, by always being willing, even at short notice, to fly needy patients and compassionate carers free of charge to receive medical help.

Barry Arentz - Pilot

Cheryl Arentz - Pilot

Both Angel flights by Barry & Cheryl Arentz
Previous missions for Barry & Cheryl - M44 AF2, M115 AF1, M169 AF1.

“A very early start was required out of Archerfield to enable our 8.30 day light saving time departure out of Mungindi to take place on time.

Departure from Archerfield was scheduled for 6.00 am, this could not take place due to a heavy fog, but finally got away at 6.20 am and then confronted with a substantial headwind all the way to Mungindi. However we managed to be only 30 minutes late at Mungindi, so no great inconvenience to anybody.

We were greeted at Mungindi airport by our passengers Jim and Shirley and their Doctor, Dr. S. Aguirre. They all very much appreciated Angel Flight's quick response to this call of help. Barry flew this Angel flight back to Toowoomba and we were all safely on the ground within an hour.

A short break for refueling and now with Cheryl in command we were off again to Mungindi to meet our next passenger, Russell.

A quick turn around at Mungindi and  back to Toowoomba with Russell on board. An hour later Cheryl had Russell safely on the ground at Toowoomba.

The storms were now building up and we quickly flew home to Archerfield before they arrived.”

Barry, Cheryl, Shirley, Angel Bear and Jim

Russell - passenger on M245 AF1

Russell with Angel Bear, his wife Jenny and Cheryl Arentz



Barry just loves those cute little Angel Bears.