How Alan and Shelley are helping RFDS 'fly into the future' through a gift in their Will

Alan and Shelley Green

As a youngster Alan remembers the RFDS clinic run from his parent’s cattle station in Western Queensland, where his mum was the local nurse.

And when he was badly burned as a toddler, the RFDS flew Alan to Brisbane, where he spent six months in hospital undergoing skin grafts, before being flown home again.

As a nurse in rural Queensland, Shelley witnessed the relief on families faces firsthand too. Whether in the midst of crisis, or simply needing a lift to the GP, knowing the RFDS is only ever a phone call away brings incredible peace of mind.

The importance of memories. 

Later, Alan and Shelley started a family, put down roots in country Victoria and started a successful free-range egg business.

But tragedy struck their family when their precious son James passed away 10 years ago. Though heartbroken, they saw a way to let their shared values as a family live on, by leaving a gift to the RFDS in their Will.

“Our focus now is that James missed out on his future, so we are very much about the future of the RFDS. We’ve got two other kids, and we let them know that whatever’s left will be split three ways, because James is still with us, at the Royal Flying Doctor Service.”

"The RFDS is beyond life-saving, whether you’ve got a broken leg or a broken heart, they will be there."

At home on their farm

For Alan and Shelley, it’s a legacy of love that will ensure the RFDS can fly into the future. “I think we have to always remember our grassroots,” says Alan. “And look after those who keep Victorians in the game.”

And that is the most precious gift of all.

You can keep the great Australian story alive forever by leaving a gift to the Flying Doctor in your Will. If you’d like to find out more, please contact Teresa Cianciosi on 03 8412 0490 or email her at giw@rfdsvic.com.au