The Mannion family are so grateful to the RFDS

The Mannion family are so grateful to you!

Date published

19 Nov 2024

Thanks to you, our services are a true lifeline for the Mannion family.

You may remember Imogen and the Mannion family when they shared her story a few years ago. At just five years old, Imogen began pulling her hair out in clumps.

This behaviour emerged during a difficult time as the family faced the devastating weight of drought, and Imogen was helping feed the animals and could see them getting skinnier.

As stress mounted for parents, Amy and Nick, Imogen began to internalise her worries, resulting in hair-pulling at night.

Seeking help, Amy reached out to our Clive Bishop Medical Centre in Broken Hill. Thanks to generous supporters like you, Imogen began play therapy sessions with Leslie Harvey, our Child and Family Mental Health Clinician.

Now nine years old, Imogen thrives in her studies and enjoys family life on their remote station alongside her siblings Archie (6), Henley (4), Neve (3), and baby Callie (8 months).

The Mannion family has faced numerous life-threatening emergencies, including motorbike accident on their property and Archie’s croup, which often requires immediate medical attention.

“We are 200 kilometres from the nearest medical centre. There have been times when I’ve thought that if the Flying Doctor couldn’t come to rescue my husband or my child in an emergency, I don’t know if they would be here today.”

With your support, our services are a true lifeline for the Mannion’s. With their expanding family, they have peace of mind knowing that, despite their isolation, they have access to a primary health clinic or a medical chest in emergencies.

For instance, Archie’s croup can strike without warning, and Amy needs to know she can call the Flying Doctor 24/7 for emergency medicine if Archie struggles to breathe.

The Mannion’s are deeply grateful to supporters like you for your ongoing generosity. They rely on us for essential healthcare and to be there in emergencies.

Any added: “The donations from generous supporters make all the difference. Without RFDS, there would be no one to call when we need help.”

The Mannion family