“I think the world of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the work they do.
It’s a love affair that’s lasted over 40 years!”.jpg)
Since 1989, Sandra Healey has been a committed supporter of the Flying Doctor. Her interest in our work began in 1966 when she was an air hostess for Airlines of NSW on the Sydney to Broken Hill run.
She recalls the “midnight horror” flight which left Sydney at midnight and, following a three hour stopover at the local hotel, returned to Sydney at 7am. As well as transferring doctors, nurses (and sometimes patients) to and from Broken Hill, the “midnight horror” used to bring the Sunday papers to the people of the Outback.
On one trip, an aircraft malfunction grounded the plane in Broken Hill for a few days until the engine could be replaced. This gave Sandra the opportunity to visit the RFDS Base and see the Flying Doctor in action. She’s been committed to the Service ever since.
When her local GP, Dr David Garne, moved to Broken Hill to take up a position as Academic Medical Officer with the Flying Doctor, Sandra felt an even stronger link to the RFDS.
And Sandra’s son, David, is a commercial pilot. His career choice has further enhanced her interest in aviation and her commitment to a ‘flying’ medical service.
Over 20 years ago, Sandra became a member of the RFDS Women’s Auxiliary at Lindfield and, when that closed, she joined the White Cliffs Women’s Auxiliary (and is still an active member today). Supporting fundraising functions and providing financial assistance, her work with both auxiliaries has been a terrific help to the Service.
Her membership in the Flying Doctor Society and Pilot Wing has provided the kind of ongoing help we rely on to carry out our vital work. And Sandra’s decision to become a member of the John Flynn Legion and leave a bequest to the Flying Doctor in her Will is yet another way in which her much valued contributions to the lifesaving work of the RFDS will make a real difference in years to come.
“The Flying Doctor has always been my favourite charity because of the way they look after the people of the Bush!”
To find out more about becoming a member of the John Flynn Legion and leaving a lifesaving legacy, please contact our Marketing Manager in the Sydney office 02 9941 8852.