Nethercote resident Nell Allen-Coen, 22, hopes more people of the Bega Valley consider to use the Angel Flight service which has helped her for the past six years.
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At 14-years-old, Ms Allen-Coen began suffering chronic pain and tremor attacks widespread throughout her body.
She was later diagnosed with a functional neurological disorder and has needed specialist attention in Sydney and Canberra since.
On Thursday, September 22, she arrived at the Merimbula Airport to embark on her 107th Angel Flight to Canberra to visit a specialist pain management psychologist.
“It was three years before anyone told us about it [Angel Flight], someone asked if I had heard of Angel Flight and I thought it was the same thing as CareFlight.
“But CareFight is an emergency medical service and Angel Flight is non-emergency, using volunteers who give their time and own aircraft,” Ms Allen-Coen said.
Father Rob Allen has been her full-time carer and is amazed by how many people do not know about the service.
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“The morning bus to Canberra from here has 9 out of 10 sick people on board who have to travel five hours each way to see a specialist. On a flight from Merimbula Airport it can take up to an hour and a half, sometimes only 30 minutes,” he said.
“People forget how remote this area is, it is a shame and frustrating that doctors have not referred more patients to the Angel Flight service.”
“Some doctors think their patients won’t qualify, there is seriously no discrimination and it takes a doctor two minutes to register online,” Mr Allen said.
Angel Flight Australia have 3290 volunteer pilots registered and 4641 volunteers drivers who help with transport to and from medical specialists.
Ms Allen-Coen encouraged anyone who travels long distances for medical treatments to use the Angel Flight service.
“Ask your local doctor, ask if they are registered to Angel Flight and ask if they can help you organise a flight, it’s not difficult,” she said.
“As long as you can physically get in and out of a light aircraft you can use the service.”
Angel Flight volunteer pilot Dave Hammersley flew from his home town of Khancoban to Merimbula Airport to meet Ms Allen-Coen.
“You really get to appreciate your health as an old folk, you see babies with brain tumours, men with cancer and some really horrible things,” he said.
“I do it because I like to help people out in regional areas,” he said.