MISSION 62 - MUNGINDI / TOOWOOMBA / MUNGINDI (First mission to Toowoomba)

With little resources of her own and fighting lung cancer, Violet has been struggling with the regular trips to Toowoomba hospital where she is receiving potentially life-saving treatment.

The four-hour plus trips by road, to and from Toowoomba, have proved too gruelling for this very sick but courageous woman, but help is at hand thanks to the generosity of two Angel Flight pilots, Clyde Stubbs from Alderley in Brisbane and Trevor Steel who lives on the Sunshine Coast.

Now, instead of the very uncomfortable journey, the need to stay overnight in Toowoomba and the sickness that often follows treatment, it takes about an hour by air and she was back home by teatime.

"The road trip to Toowoomba really knocked Violet around. It takes nearly five hours each way and whilst she’s been trying to take the trip over two days, it became too taxing and we thought she would need at least three days the next time," said Kerrie Munro, Mungindi Community Health Nurse.

"She’s had quite a difficult life and struggled for everything she’s ever had and it’s really hard seeing her having to face this after such a hard life."

A widow, Mrs. Cranham has lived in Mungindi all of her life and was accompanied by her daughter Lyn Brown on this her first trip in a light aircraft.

   


Clyde Stubbs - Pilot

 

Flying Violet Cranhan and her daughter to Toowoomba was experienced pilot, Clyde Stubbs, for whom this was his fifth Angel Flight.

An electronics software business owner by day, Clyde will use any excuse to take to the skies in his high-tech plane.

Angel Flight 1 comment by Clyde Stubbs

"As an Angel Flight pilot I get the opportunity to give something back to the community doing what I love most. I first found out about Angel Flight from pilots in the USA who belong to the worldwide Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association and as soon as I found out it was in Australia I wanted to be involved."
 


Tony West - Earth Angel

 

Tony, a Toowoomba resident, kindly donated his time and vehicle to conduct Earth Angel duties transporting Voilet and Lyn from Toowoomba Airport to the Toowoomba Base Hospital and back.

Tony was also instrumental in obtaining landing fee waivers for Clyde and Trevor.

"I had a great time with Violet, she never showed any sign of her condition. Just carried on as normal and when we tried to get her aboard Steve's plane what a story. She couldn't get on to to the first step all she could do was laugh. A guy from the aero club came out with a little step ladder and she was in in a flash. Anyway great day."


Trevor Steel - Pilot

 

For the return journey, Violet and Lyn flew with another experienced pilot, Trevor Steel who was on his fifth Angel Flight.

Based on the Sunshine Coast, Trevor Steel moved to Caloundra in 1996 after 26 years as Managing Director/C.E.O. of Metway Bank/Metropolitan Permanent Building Society, where he has earned a reputation for community service.

Angel Flight 2 comment Trevor Steel

"Being an Angel Flight Pilot is a little different in the sense that I am specifically helping individuals who have both health and financial challenges to have a better quality of life. I love the direct contact with the person being helped and it gives me a chance to use my flying skills and experience developed over the years to help someone else."