Seventy-eight year old Anne was transferred to John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle from Armidale and underwent emergency surgery for ovarian cancer. Her husband Donald accompanied her. He has suffered a stroke and has short term memory loss. Driving proves an issue. They have limited financial resources. This Angel flight was to return them home to Armidale.

Graham Bell - Pilot

Angel flight 1 by Graham Bell
This is Graham 's 8th Angel flight
Previous mission for Graham - M693 AF2.

Comment by Graham
"We were to transport two elderly persons Mrs Anne Hearne and Mr Donald Hearne from Williamtown to Armidale on Friday night.

I am very impressed with the service and attention given by Newcastle Airport staff to two elderly people who were not fare paying passengers.

As 78 years old Mrs Hearne stepped from the taxi she missed her footing and fell backwards, hit and cut her head which was bleeding. The Newcastle airport staff helped her, administering first aid and looked after her and her 78 year Donald until we arrived.

They marshalled our aircraft right in front of the terminal and escorted us to the passengers.

The Newcastle Airport female staff member (sorry I did not get her name) who attended to Mrs Hearne could not be more helpful and a tentative to her and in explaining all that was done for her for the flight home.

The male staff member insisted carrying their bags to the aircraft and then was of great assistance to me in getting her into the aircraft.

They coped very well as this was their first in a light aircraft after receiving all the attention at Newcastle Airport, then a daylight departure to 10,000 feet cruise into the dark, then a dark night landing at Armidale Airport.

The couple held hands all the way home, I am not sure if they were terrified or enjoyed the flight however they have been married for 50 years and appeared very appreciative of Angel Flight.

A special thanks to my wife Tina, who filled in as a second crew member at the last minute."

At Graham Bell's request, Angel Flight passed on the positive feedback to the Newcastle Airport staff. Graham Giddey, the manager at Newcastle Airport, gave the following response;

Thanks for passing on this positive feedback, we usually just hear about problems. I have passed on your e-mail to those involved, Jackie Woodberry, Andrew Bowen and Bob Aldred. You provide a great service and it is our great pleasure to assist Angel Flight whenever and however we can.

Regards,

Graham Giddey
Manager Aviation Services
NEWCASTLE AIRPORT