Greg's Story

When l was a baby mum was told by doctors “We recommend Greg not ever go on a plane.” due to my diagnosed medical conditions. Professionals bluntly told my mum “The air pressure in the plane could result in Greg experiencing extreme and detrimental health issues.”

So for 25 years of my life l have remained grounded ever trying to ignore my burning passion to one day board a plane and visit America or New Zealand.

That was until March 2014 when l said “Enough is enough” and decided to go for it.

I was going to prove to everyone that l could fly and l would be fine.

Obviously mum and dad were very nervous with my decision to go against all medical advice; our combined nervousness was also mixed with excitement and gratifying sense of rebelliousness.

After many a long conversation and debate, my dad suggested we trial a domestic flight to Tasmania, to see how my body would cope. So on a Wednesday in mid-April, dad and l boarded a Jetstar Airbus A320 to Hobart for a day trip.

During take-off l began to panic, my heart raced and my mind wandered remembering all the things doctors had told my mum over the years… Things like, “He won’t survive”, “Air flight could be detrimental to Greg’s life” and “it’s a risk Greg should never take.”

As we reached a cruising altitude, I instantly felt at ease, my sixth sense told me everything was going to be ok, at this moment l looked over at my dad and with a big smile, I simply said “I told you so”. Dad smiled back and we both knew l was going to be ok.

When we arrived back in Melbourne, Dad and l began to plan our next destination… Auckland New Zealand.

On the 28^th May 2014, Dad and l ventured to Flight Centre at Cranbourne Shopping Centre and booked a 3 night holiday to Auckland. Booking our next adventure filled me with delightful apprehension, the kind you get when on the rise of a roller coaster nearing the death-defying drop. 28^th July was D day, we boarded our flight to New Zealand.

My chest felt tight and during take-off thoughts of “This could be it for me” raced through my head, my heart felt as if it would burst through my chest and an uneasy sense of no control overwhelmed me…Then the plane started to cruise the clear blue skies and as quickly as my nerves settled in that went away and I was filled with a sense of calm… I remember thinking “All my nerves were pointless, we took off, flew the skies and landed without a hiccup… I did it, eyes still intact my head!”

New Zealand was amazing, great weather, scenic views, with extremely friendly locals. The highlight of my trip was realising my dream and going overseas, defying the odds and all medical advice.

Now I am in the process of planning a 2 week trip to New York, with my Dad.

In conclusion my advice to you is…. If you are dreaming something big that you really want to do and are told not to, just GO FOR IT! No life is worth living without risk.

For me, l feel like the world has been unlocked.