23 December 2003 - BANKSTOWN TO BREWARRINA - MISSION 39

SYDNEY CEO “SOFTIE” – A REAL CHRISTMAS ANGEL FOR BREWARRINA

On Tuesday 23rd December, when many people were buying computer software presents for Christmas, a “softie” in more ways than one changed his executive suit for angel wings. As an Angel Flight pilot Justin MacIntosh’s mission was to return Brewarrina grandmother, Jane Campbell [42 years young], back home in time for Christmas.

Suffering from cervical spondylosis, Jane was facing a long and risky trip home by road following spinal surgery in Sydney. [Cervical spondylosis is a chronic degenerative condition of the cervical spine that affects the vertebral bodies and intervertebral disks of the neck as well as the contents of the spinal cord.]

Plagued by chronic back and neck pain for many years, the surgery released pressure on compressed nerves and relieved the pain. Following such delicate surgery, the thought of a long, sometimes rough, road journey home was adding additional stress to Jane’s life.

Another concern for Jane was the possibility of not being able to be home in time to spend Christmas with her two grandchildren aged 3 and 5. “I can cope with the prospect of having surgery, but I was really worried about not being with my family for Christmas,” Jane said. “My doctor told me that I would not be able to travel any distance by car following surgery, and it was impossible for me to get home in time any other way.”

Jane said that she then heard about Angel Flight through her daughter-in-law who works in a medical clinic. “When I heard about this service I thought it was just for isolated children, but when I went on the web-site I discovered they also help people just like me,” she said. “It’s absolutely fantastic and I just can’t thank them enough. It’s just taken so much pressure off me and I know it could do the same for others in Brewarrina who are worse off than me.”

Justin is the CEO and President of CorVu Corporation, a publicly listed US globally based Software Company, but is also a real “softie” when it comes to helping people. “As soon as I heard about Angel Flight needing pilots I registered immediately,” he said. “It’s a great way for me to donate some of my resources. It’s different from donating money, because this way I am making a direct contribution to an individual who I can meet. This has given me a greater satisfaction.”

“I am really delighted about being able to help this time and feel like I have won an award,” he said. And it’s not only Justin who feels as though he has won an award. It seems that he had some special surprises in store for Jane on the trip home..……

Justin MacIntosh - Pilot

Pilot Comments by Justin MacIntosh

Flight commenced at 8:50AM and we were cleared direct Brewarrina (probably due to notifying we were an Angel Flight), clear conditions all the way to Brewarrina with great views of Blue Mountains, Dubbo along the way. Flight was smooth with slight head wind of 13 knots from the SW.

On arrival at Brewarrina over flew the field and joined cross wind for runway 21. Landed 11:00AM, had Santa on board with gifts for the grand kids. Jane is a lovely person and certainly a pleasure to fly. Santa behaved himself and Jane’s grandchildren, Samantha and Clayton, were ecstatic to see her - Santa was just the icing on the cake.

Santa exited the airplane to hand out Christmas presents. Stayed at Brewarrina for about half an hour then took off for the return trip back to Sydney. IMC over the Blue Mountains and for the descent into Bankstown.

Great trip in all and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Thank you for the opportunity, it was an honour to represent Angel Flight.

A surprise welcome for Jane at Bankstown. Jane with Justin (left)	Santa hitches a lift.
Santa, Jane and Justin safely at Brewarrina eagerly welcomed by grandchildren Samantha & Clayton.	“When I heard about this service I thought it was just for isolated children, but when I went on the web-site I discovered they also help people just like me.”