A Coleambally resident is taking to the skies for a good cause.
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Steve Burgess has been flying with Angel Flight for the better part of a decade.
While the last few years have seen him slow down a little, he’s looking forward to getting back into things.
Mr Burgess said flight has been a longtime passion.
“I’ve been flying since i was 16 years old. It was always an interest. I’ve always been totally fascinated by flight,” he said.
“I was in the position where I was in the position that can do flights. I’ve always been involved in different charities. It was a way to combining an interest with something that was good for the community.”
Angel Flight is a not-for-profit organisation which coordinates flights to ensure people living in regional and rural areas have access to medical treatment that might otherwise be unavailable because of cost constraints or huge distances. All flights offered through the service are free and involve medical facilities across the country.
“It’s something I’ve always been keen on doing and I’m excited to get back into it.”
Mr Burgess said he’s met people from a number of different walks of life while flying with Angel Flight.
“Most of the people I’ve worked with have been mothers with young children. There are some elderly passengers as well. It depends on the need and what’s going on,” he said.
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“It’s just good to be able to help out someone who is in a situation where they need assistance. Not everyone is able to do that sort of thing,
“I’m a believer that if you’re in a position to give back to someone, or anyone, why wouldn’t you?
“It’s easy to take … at the end of the day, those of us who are fortunate enough where we don’t have to take and we can give. If you’re in a position where you can give, I believe you should.”
He said it all comes down to paying it forward and helping out a neighbour.
“At the end of the day, we just don’t know what’s around the corner. One day you could be that other person who is in a position where you need help.”
Visit angelflight.org.au for more information on Angel Flights.