In April of this year, I was off the coast of Geraldton with Marine Rescue when our boat was hit by a rogue wave. I was thrown out of my seat and landed as badly as possible, breaking three of my vertebrae. Fortunately, nobody else was injured and they were able to bring me back to shore using their training and skill. At our regional hospital it quickly became apparent that I needed a specialist unit to manage my injuries and the closest one was a five-hour drive. The solution: the RFDS. I was very heavily medicated, so my memories of that time are a little disjointed. I do, however, remember the extreme care taken by the team in planning and moving me, and the calm competence at every step. I remember how kind and caring the medics were, at a time when I was frightened and in pain. As a pilot, I particularly remember the smoothest plane landing I have ever experienced. Once in Perth, I was able to access the specialist medical assistance that I needed. The goals in my recovery were tiny in appearance but huge victories for me; my first target was standing up. Once released and finally home, my first walking goal was 50m from the house. The road to recovery has been painfully slow, in every sense of the word. I am still unable to ride a bike, lift a basket of wet washing, put a plant in the ground or touch my toes, let alone work or travel. Not every day is progress and some days see me crying with pain. On those days, I remind myself that I broke my back and walked away from it - even if it is a slow, slightly limping walk. Living in regional Australia and working in the remote Pilbara, I understood that the RFDS provided an essential service. The sight of green medical chests and Pilatus planes waiting on the apron are a part of life out in the red dust. However, it isn't until you are having one of the worst days of your life that you realise just what a remarkable service the RFDS really provides. So this October I will be walking the Oceans to Outback challenge because the RFDS are a part of the reason that I *can* walk it.

Horse injury

My worst nightmare come true in one afternoon, my 4 yr old daughter got kicked in the top of head by her horse when it got a fright and the health clinic in the small town we lived in at time, got straight on to the rfds to fly is to Charleville Qld. She ended up with 9 stitches and home to drain any blood. She fully recovered with no effects and still loves horses. Rfds is a life saving service that I would support in a heart beat.

I just want to Support the Royal Flying Doctors Service

I love the country and see the benefit from having this service available for people who need it. I am a horse rider and have seen many people need the help of the RFDS and I would like to do my bit to try and help raise much needed funds. So I thought why not join in this fundraiser and see how I can contribute.

I’ve pledged to complete 97km – the distance from Bundaberg to Gin Gin and back

I’ve pledged to complete 97km – the distance from Bundaberg to Gin Gin and back – as part of the Oceans to Outback challenge. While I don’t have a personal RFDS story or a direct connection to the outback, I believe wholeheartedly in the incredible work the Royal Flying Doctor Service does. They are a vital lifeline for our regional community, providing essential medical care when it’s needed most. Last year I had the privilege of helping to pull an RFDS plane along the tarmac for a fundraising event – so when I saw this challenge, I felt it was my duty to step up again. Every kilometre I walk is my way of showing support and to help keep the Flying Doctor flying.

Chest Holder

As an island lover, living in remote Australia there’s nothing more reassuring than having the RFDS at your fingertips! Having to need to use the CHEST is daunting but the team talk you through every step to provide immediate medical support in an emergency! Without the CHEST a lot of patients would have suffered! Thank goodness for RFDS !!

After retirement, I found a yacht which took me and a cat from Cairns to Mooloolaba and back several times, visiting Lizard Island and Cooktown on the way. After 10 years of being a grotty yachtie, I tied up at the Urangan Marina and called it quits. Sold my boat "Opal" and bought a place in Hervey Bay. In order to keep fit, I selected a recumbent trike called a Scorpion FS20 and made many, many enjoyable circuits of Hervey Bay before trying out for the "Tour de Brisbane" in 2023. After fitting a mid-drive motor, I entered the 50km ride in the 2025 Tour, which I won! I can't recommend recumbent trikes highly enough for exercise, touring and mental health!

My story

Would like th share my story of how I wouldn’t possibly be here today to tell my story if it wasn’t for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. It all started with a little back ache which progressively got worse over 48hrs after attending our little nursing post & a telescreen appointment with a specialist in Perth, it was decided I probably had kidney stones & needed to travel to Carnarvon hospital 2.5hrs away for an ultrasound, so hubby bundled me into our vehicle & off we went arriving at about 7pm. The Doctor in Emergency made the call not to wait till the morning for the scan & made a call, 30mins later I was in ultrasound taken back to my bed & Doctor came to inform me that it wasn’t kidney stones to which was great news had heard horror stories on that.... But he stood there & looked at me & his exact words where don’t celebrate yet, it’s much worse, we have ordered the Flying Doctor, you are going to Perth for lifesaving emergency surgery... my world crashed around me... went through every emotion & Garry just looked devastated ultrasound had discovered a twisted bowel, so I was prepped for a scary journey & headed off to Sir Charles Gardner Hospital in Perth for the emergency surgery where I stayed for 10 days now fully recovered. I owe them my life, so now 12 months after a knee replacement I’m ready to give back & join this great cause!

Picked up by RFD Service

I was riding the Mountain Bike Crocodile Trophy, I had a crash on the 9th or 10th day and was huge pain, the Doctors came along and gave me some Pain killers and then some more, as it was 200k one way and something similar (cannot remember) the other nearest Hospital. So the RFDS was called and I was transported to Cairns and Hospital.. the pilot said in instructions and I replied just be gentle, I had a broken my right Scapula and it was extremely painful, the trip in I did not feel the take off or the landing and they stopped off at another place to pick up another patient.. The pilot and staff were incredible

My Grandfather’s Final Flight with the Royal Flying Doctor Service

This cause is incredibly close to my heart. In my grandfather’s final days, we were blessed by the compassion and professionalism of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). Living in Richmond, QLD, he needed urgent medical care — the nearest hospital in Townsville was over 5 hours away by road. Time we didn’t have. Thanks to the RFDS, he was able to receive high-quality, patient-centered care during a critical moment. They flew him safely and with dignity, giving him and us, the comfort of knowing he was in the best hands. What stood out wasn’t just the medical expertise - it was the compassion. Their care extended to us as a family. In a time of fear and sadness, we felt supported, heard, and held. That final flight gave us more than just medical help - it gave us peace. It truly is a LIFELINE for people living in rural areas and on properties when the nearest medical help could be hundreds of kms away.