She swallowed acid when she was barely a teenager, he survived a child sacrifice and another experienced a medical mishap – it’s human nature to want to lend a helping hand, but unfortunately, many of us aren’t in position to make a big difference.
Thankfully, there’s large businesses such as Virgin Australia and South African Airways (SAA) who are using their combined forces to provide air travel to children in desperate need of life-changing surgery.
Over the last week, the pair along with Brisbane-based charity Droplets in a Stream, flew three Ugandan children to Australia where they’ve undergone major procedures they couldn’t receive in their home country.
Mary was barely 15 when she accidentally swallowed acid and scarred her oesophagus so badly she hasn’t been able to eat or drink since. She’s been kept alive by feeding tubes.
Then there’s Robert, a 10-year-old boy who was left paralysed after surviving a child sacrifice.
And eight-year-old Benson, who has been unable to go to the toilet on his own after a medical mishap in an Ugandan hospital.
All three were flown from Uganda to Perth with South African Airways before transferring onto a Virgin Australia flight to Brisbane.
According to SAA’s Sales Manager for Queensland, Trent Malcolm, the two airlines worked closely with Rodney Callanan from Droplets in a Stream to ensure the three young people and their carers arrived safely and comfortably in Australia.
“I’m so amazed by both airlines’ generosity in providing all of the international and domestic flights and relevant care.”
“I am so grateful to SAA and Virgin Australia for helping bring Mary, Robert and Benson and their carers to Australia so they could have this surgery.”
Rodney Callanan, Droplets in a Stream Director
“On the international flights from Uganda, SAA’s staff and flight attendants were so helpful and made the trip extremely comfortable,” he added.
“It was the first time the young people have ever been on a plane, but they felt so safe and reassured during the whole journey.”
Since arriving in Australia, Mary has successfully undergone surgery and took her first sip of fluid in eight years.
“We’re hopeful she will soon be able to eat and drink normally,” Trent said.