Man making huge impact every drive
DURING the darkest or most challenging moments in life, sometimes all you need is to be shown some kindness and offered a helping hand.
Jeff Smith has been a volunteer for Angel Flight for the past five years and recently hit a milestone.
His role as a driver for the charity involves meeting people at the airport and transporting them to medical specialist and treatment appointments.
To date, Mr Smith has dedicated his time to complete more than 70 drives to help people living in rural areas who wouldn’t otherwise have had access to these medical avenues.
“For me, the most rewarding part of the job is meeting these incredible people,” he said.
“Country people are very friendly, resilient and always have great stories to tell, but part of the role is definitely putting people at ease too.”
The Toowoomba man decided to become a volunteer after he witnessed the impact illnesses can have on families first-hand.
“Our close family friend has been getting treated for cancer for 18 years, I’ve had cancer and my wife has had cancer, so I can empathise,” Mr Smith said.
“Before you get diagnosed with cancer, there’s this horrible dread – no one wants it, don’t get me wrong – but there are now some tremendous treatment options available, and in Toowoomba, we have access to so many medical facilities, specialists and treatments.”
While Mr Smith drives people seeking treatment for a range of reasons, there are some shifts and passengers who will always hold a special place in his heart.
“Meeting the younger people is always pretty incredible – I recently drove a young woman in her 30s who had travelled here on her own from the other side of Cunnamulla and was here for her first visit after she’d been diagnosed with cancer,” Mr Smith said.
“She was such a strong and brave young woman and just really inspiring to speak to.”
Devastatingly, not everyone will he crossing paths with will receive the outcome they hope for.
“I met a man who was here for his last visit, and he was unfortunately going to pass away,” Mr Smith said.
“The farewell hits really hard, but that’s the only time I’ve ever experienced it.”
The modest volunteer said the contribution made by Angel Flight pilots was significant and deserved recognition, especially for assisting those living out west.
Mr Smith said one of the challenges of any disease and receiving treatment for it was the feeling of exhaustion, especially when travelling for longer periods, so being able to take a flight would make the world of difference.
Angel Flight relies heavily on donations made by individuals, clubs and businesses and all proceeds go towards operating costs.
For more information, visit angelflight.org.au.