Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome is an incapacitating condition, characterised by long bouts of nausea and vomiting. Twenty-one year old Luke Blacket was diagnosed with this condition at the age of fifteen.

He suffered an attack whilst in Melbourne on a holiday with friends, and understandably could not endure a nine hour journey back to Adelaide by road.

An Angel flight was arranged on short notice to get him back home much more quickly and comfortably.

An email from Luke's mum, Jane Blacket

"I just don't know what to say to express our gratitude and appreciation for what you did for our son Luke this week. I was on the verge of desperation when I was told by the airlines that they would not take our son because he was ill. It was a chance comment by my niece in Bendigo that made me aware of your service. I really thought that there would be no way you would be able to help us as we always seem to fall into the non eligible category with most things.

Having an unusual and such a strange illness like CVS has changed all our lives. Luke struggles with it but does not let it change how he views his life and future. This is why it dismayed me so badly when I got the phone call that he was sick, so far away from home.

Without your help, all of you.... I don’t know what we would have done. You were fantastic in the way you not only made me feel much better but also Melissa, as well as the wonderful way that you communicated with all involved... as was Miranda with her emails and follow up information.

What can I say about the Angels in jeans, Richard and David? I am sure I must have looked like a stunned mullet. I didn’t know what to say to you guys to show even a small amount of my thanks for bringing my son home. My hubby and I felt awful just walking away and leaving you standing there. Oh and Melissa told us about you having to open the air vents.... sorry about that...

You ARE ANGELS!! All of you.... and from the bottom of my heart, thank you again so very very much.

Luke is doing better, he is still ill though the vomiting has subsided. Being able to get him home and in his doctors care so quickly had a lot to do with that. Luke doesn’t remember too much of the trip home, except it was hard. He will be writing to you himself once he is well enough. Melissa was so grateful for the friendly way you dealt with her; calming her nerves and making her feel safe. By the way the little angel bear you gave her made her day... it sits in her room and will be a constant reminder of the kindness you showed to them both.

Luke’s illness has financially crippled us over the years, and I was worried about him going on his trip, but we didn’t want him to see himself as anything but normal. He will get over this eventually, we know it. We don’t know what we would have done if you guys hadn’t come to our rescue. If there is anything...... ANYTHING we can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact us. I shall send you a photo of Luke and Melissa as soon as he is well, as he would like to thank you in his own words.

It’s funny until my niece told me about Angel Flight I had never heard of you. But since your help with Luke’s illness we have had many friends who have said they have seen advertisements on the TV about your organisation..

Again thank you.... all of you.... from all of us, from my husband Simon, from Luke and Melissa, from Gracemarie and from me. Its people like you that keep your faith in humanity alive. You should all feel proud of yourselves and the job you are doing.

Take care and good luck with everything all of you do.

Kindest regards

Jane Blacket, Simon Blacket and Luke Blacket"

Bill Bristow - Angel Flight
Founder & Chairman

Bill Bristow's response to Jane's email

"Dear Jane, Simon, Luke and Melissa,

I want to thank you most sincerely for your moving letter of thanks to the pilots and coordinators of Luke's flight. I was always taught never to expect or ask for thanks but I have to say that it certainly is wonderful when a letter such as yours reaches all those who have selflessly contributed.

Yes we are finding many people who fall into the non eligible category and often, unfairly, they are among those most needing of a helping hand at a difficult time.

I am pleased that Luke is doing better; please keep in touch as the team becomes attached to each and every mission recipient and appreciates good news to balance the often sad news.

Again my thanks, your letter has contributed more than you perhaps realize.

Yours sincerely,

Bill Bristow
Chairman"

Richard Beer - Pilot

Angel flight 1 by Richard Beer
This is Richard's 3rd Angel flight
Previous missions by Richard - M91 AF2, M146 AF1 and M185 AF1.

Comment by Richard
"Hi Jane et al, thanks for the email. It makes our small contribution that much more special. I love to fly and am working to make a career of it. So often my flying seems a little selfish, but AF is an opportunity to give back. Oh yes, I was actually closing the vent - it was cold at 8000ft! Love to catch up over a coffee sometime. "

David Lang generously donated the use of his aircraft and was co-pilot for this flight.

A recent email arrived from Jane, on Wednesday the 4th of April, 2007:

Ruby and his favorite Angel Bear

Hello to all the staff at Angel Flight,

I doubt you will remember me, you and your wonderful organisation Angel Flight", bought my son Luke and his girlfriend home from Melbourne 2 years ago. My, how times flies.

Anyway, I took these photos of our puppy, Ruby, who is 11 months old. I bought an Angel Bear from the chemist for her the day we bought her home, and she seems to have bonded with it. She has had it now for eleven months and carries it everywhere with her. She sleeps with it, she carries it round in the day, she watches TV with it. It’s amazing how she has not damaged it at all. The little Angel Bear seems to comfort her. If we go for a walk, she always runs inside and brings it out, as if to say 'Can bear come too". It’s very cute. When my son had a recent attack, she ran into his bedroom with bear in mouth as always, jumped up on his bed and laid it next to him, then ran out... almost as if to say, you’re sick so bear will make you feel better. Everyone we know laughs at how attached she is to this little bear, and of course that results in a conversation about your organisation and what a wonderful job 'Angel Flight' does. In her own little way.... she is spreading the word.

Anyway, I thought I’d send you guys a copy of the photos I took of her today with her little Angel Bear, I thought it might give you a smile.

I hope all is well with you and everyone involved in Angel Flight.
Kind Regards, Jane Blacket

Ruby with his favourite Angel Bear