I'm fundraising for the Royal Flying Doctor Service

✨ OUR STORY ✨

20th December 2018.

I was at work when I got a call from my Mum… something no parent ever wants to hear.

“Jo, Ajay’s been involved in an accident. I’m on my way to hospital. You need to meet me there NOW.”

Ajay was just 4½.

It was an unforeseeable accident and no one’s fault. He had been outside with Lenny when a tractor tyre fell on top of him. Thankfully, he landed in a hole the dog had dug, which may have helped save his life.

Ajay had bruised his bowel, damaged his kidneys, torn his spleen and fractured his wrist. His injuries were serious.

Before we could board the RFDS plane, the medical team needed to insert a catheter. Because of his age and the stress of the situation, it took almost five attempts. The delay meant the ambulance crew had to leave and attend another priority call.

I remember thinking, “No… what about Ajay?”

The plane had already landed and was waiting for us. It had stopped via Albany to collect us after picking up a lady in the Walpole area who had suffered a heart attack.

All I could think was, “We need to get to that plane.”

I can’t explain the helplessness you feel as a parent in that moment — watching, scared and worried, wanting to move mountains, but knowing everything is completely out of your control.

Eventually, everything fell into place and we were on our way to the airport in the ambulance.

The RFDS crew were incredible. Angels of the air is the only way I can begin to describe them. ❤️✈️

When we arrived, it was like nothing I had ever seen. There were around four or five planes landing at roughly the same time. We pulled up to a large shed-like building, where ambulances were waiting to take patients to their designated hospitals.

We spent three days in hospital, followed by a few days at Ronald McDonald House, before being discharged and allowed to return home in time for Christmas.

Aaron had only just flown back to work and was about to start night shift when everything happened. It was a long 24 hours for him trying to get from work to Perth, but Rio Tinto were absolutely amazing and did everything they could to make it happen and get him home to us.

That experience has stayed with our family ever since.

The RFDS was there when we needed them most, and I will never forget the care, skill and compassion they showed us during one of the scariest times of our lives.

That’s why I’m doing my bit again this year. ❤️✈️

Because I know firsthand just how important the RFDS is when you need them most.