MISSION 136 - WANGARATTA / ESSENDON

In memory of Michael Trevor

"In September just past (2005) - Fathers Day was our first year without our beloved Michael Trevor. Michael had an Angel Flight in June 2004 with pilot Michael Loccisano from Wangaratta to Melbourne.

Michael unfortunately passed 8 weeks after his flight, at Albury Hospital,NSW and was laid to rest at Stanley Victoria.

What the family would like to express is the thanks and gratitude to Angel Flight's foundation. The amazing part of the process the ongoing support after the initial flight. Michael Loccisano was wonderful with visits to Michael at the hospital (in Melbourne) and the lovely flowers that were sent for his funeral.

Although no-one could of foreseen the future, it was the positive encouragement from all of the people involved with organising his flight, that made Michael stronger within himself. Michael was a hard worker, never unemployed, with the disease came the loss of wages and the expenses of treatments. Michael was very concerned that living remote and no money would prevent him from urgent treatment. A proud man who never took charity from anyone, was touched by your organisation. Michael was full of praise to your empathic charity, and had he'd lived longer, would of helped in some way.

So in closing we send our thanks, and even though I live in Central Outback Queensland, if there is anything I can do out here, just let me know, (and I'll happily help where possible) as a respectful tribute to Michael."

Linda Hosking

On Monday 28th June, Stanley local, Michael Trevor, left his home town to travel to Wangaratta from where he flew out on angels wings, for what is hoped will be a life-saving trip to Melbourne.

Michael, recently diagnosed with lung cancer, has been ordered to attend the Royal Melbourne Hospital on Monday. Michael then expects to undergo surgery on Tuesday 29th June.

"I only found out on Wednesday just how serious my condition is," Mr. Trevor said.

"I’ve been well most of my life and then a couple of weeks ago I awoke coughing up blood. Didn’t think it was serious but then after a lot of investigation I was told I have a tumour and to be honest I’m a bit scared."

With limited resources and no car, Michael’s only alternative was a 4-5 hour trip by road and train, which could prove too much for him, both physically and emotionally, following the diagnosis and forthcoming treatment. However, at the suggestion of his doctor, contact was made with Angel Flight, which was able to very quickly organise a pilot with plane to transport him, absolutely free.

"It’s good that they are there to help people out, especially when something like this arises," Mr. Trevor said.

"It’s a bit scary when you are on your own and I want to thank Angel Flight from the bottom of my heart for helping me out like this, it is making a big difference knowing they are there."

And the "Angel" extending a helping hand on this occasion is Michael Loccisano Managing Director of the Lockland Group - a Melbourne based property Development Company.

An experienced pilot, this was Michael’s first mission for Angel Flight.

But this was not the only "angel" on Mr. Trevor’s side during this difficult time, for when he arrived at Essendon he was met by "Earth Angel" Wendy Skilbeck, who drove him to the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Story appeared in The Border Mail.