“I think making regular gifts to the Flying Doctor is so rewarding, it’s such a great organisation and such a worthwhile cause.”
Jan is a passionate supporter of the work of the Flying Doctor. While she has never been treated by the service herself, she says she knows what the Flying Doctor means to those living remotely, and that is a worthwhile cause in her eyes.
“I don’t need first-hand experience with the service to be able to appreciate what they do for rural communities; the service is a lifeline and a safety net for all those away from the cities,” Jan said.
Jan’s father was a doctor, as was her brother, and she trained as a nurse at Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney. She has two sons and two daughters, one of her daughters also trained as a nurse.
“I always wanted to help people; I didn’t decide to be a nurse because my father was a doctor. It was just something I decided I would like to do; I wanted to be there for people who needed care,” she said.
Royal North Shore Hospital in the 1940's
Jan (centre) during her nursing days in the late 1950s at RNSH
Supporter Jan (current day)
Although Jan trained to be a nurse in the city, she moved to rural NSW in 1957. Jan’s experience living remotely has shown her the importance of having emergency health care available to people, wherever they live.
"I am glad that I am able to make a difference to the lives of people living on the land by donating to the Flying Doctor."
Jan“I would encourage people to donate to the service if they are able to, I am glad that I am able to make a difference to the lives of people living on the land by donating to the Flying Doctor,” she said.
Now Jan lives in Wagga Wagga, a major regional city in the Riverina region of New South Wales. She is a keen gardener and enjoys watching birds visit her backyard, especially a family of four magpies who visit her at least once most days.
“My favourite thing to do these days is spending time in my garden, I just love it,” Jan said.
If you would like to start regular donations like Jan more information can be found by:
- Visiting our donation section
- Calling our friendly Supporter Relations team on
1300 669 569.
