You helped save Ben’s life when he suffered a terrible burns accident. Ben remembers visiting the Broken Hill Visitor Centre on a family holiday when he was just a kid. Almost 20 years later he came across the Flying Doctor again when we were there to save his life.
Ben grew up in Orange, NSW with his family who are a big part of the local community.
He joined the Australian Army and moved to Townsville where he suffered terrible burns to 80% of his body in an accident.
Thankfully, the Flying Doctor rushed Ben to Brisbane where he was admitted to a Burns Unit. Initially placed in an induced coma, Ben underwent 18 months of recovery before he returned to service.
It’s almost 15 years since Ben’s accident and together with his family in Orange, they wanted to give back and recently kindly organised and held a fundraiser ball in their family’s shearing shed that raised $13,000.
Ben’s dad Kevin, who previously served the town of Cabonne as local Mayor rallied the community who generously gifted items for an auction or donated to the fundraiser.
Ben still looks back today, after 15 years and is so thankful to supporters like you who ensured the Flying Doctor team in Townsville responded so rapidly and delivered him to the Burns Unit in Brisbane.
Ben and his family are also thankful to their incredibly generous community and loved ones in Orange who graciously supported their fundraising ball. It was such a huge success and his family are hoping to make it an annual event.
Ben still recalls the many conversations he had with our team on the frontline when he was recovering that if it wasn’t for their rapid response that evening, he wouldn’t be here today.
Ben went on to have a successful career in the Australian Army and served two deployments in Afghanistan.
He is also so grateful to people like you, because without you, he wouldn’t be here today. Thank you!
“All I can say is thank you to the supporters who care enough to donate... I can only imagine how many lives have been saved and how many families are still together simply because of the unsung heroes who care about people like me,” Ben said.
