For immediate release
26 February 2008

Telstra Child Flight to the rescue

Telstra Child Flight, the only emergency helicopter transport service in the Southern Hemisphere dedicated solely to the retrieval of kids had to make an emergency dash to Lithgow to retrieve four year old Jannali McLean.

Young Jannali McLean gave his mother Michelle a very big scare when what she first believed to be a little cough turned into full blown asthma resulting in
pneumonia.

'' What started as a lingering cough soon developed into a serious bout of asthma.''

'' He was having great difficulty breathing so I took him to Lithgow Hospital.''

On arrival doctors diagnosed Jannali with a severe case of asthma/pneumonia and recommended that the Telstra Child Flight chopper be called to transport Jannali to Westmead Children's Hospital to receive specialist treatment.

Jannali spent five days recovering from his pneumonia in hospital before doctors were happy for him to return home.

''It was an experience that both my son and I will never forget. ''

'' Thank you to the Telstra Child Flight team for saving my little boys life.''

The Telstra Child Flight choppers aim to dramatically reduce the amount of time it takes to transport a child to a hospital that can cater to their needs. The choppers are the fastest medical helicopters in NSW.

Each mission costs between $6,000 and $15,000 and is provided at no charge to the families who require Telstra Child Flights assistance. While major sponsor Telstra provides considerable support, Telstra Child Flight relies heavily on the generosity of the public to help make up for shortfalls of millions of dollars every year, to ensure that the service stays in the air.

To make a donation to this vital service visit the Telstra Child Flight website at www.telstrachildflight.org.au or phone 1800 244 531.

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For more information, interviews or photo opportunities:
Kate Sincic
P 02 4385 2696
M 0422 619 788
E ksincic@brilliantlogic.com.au