Why I'm riding

In May 1981, at the age of 20, I was 9 months pregnant & expecting our first child in a country town in the SW of WA. Going into labour was the start of the challenge. It became a long, protracted, intense & physically exhausting process. After 48 hours, the medical staff determined that labour had stalled & I should be transferred to a larger city hospital, with specialist medical staff & access to adequate blood supplies for a transfusion, in the event an emergency C-section was needed.

The ambulance ride to the airport was interesting, as the volunteer driver on call for the day, was my husband’s boss! The ambulance was met at the regional airport by the RFDS plane & staff, then I was transferred into their care. My first ever plane flight, but I have little memory of it, being lightly sedated for the entire journey. I do recall their reassuring words as I was loaded onto the plane & during the moments of turbulence the flight encountered.

Arriving at the city airport, I was transported to the major maternity hospital. Thankfully for me & our baby, everything went well & we were able to meet our little baby girl a few hours later, without any C-section or blood transfusions required.

This was my first ever encounter with the RFDS, and I am extremely thankful for this service & for the care provided, in what was a medically stressful situation.

It has taken me more than a few years to be more involved, so this October, I am cycling to support the RFDS & their amazingly unique service you will not find in other countries. I have set a base cycling target & will be cycling to achieve that target as a minimum. I invite you to join with me as I cycle to support & sustain the ongoing work of the RFDS throughout Australia.