Service to reward supporters

A long-serving St John Ambulance volunteer and a local fundraising devotee have been named as finalists for a prestigious charity award in recognition of their outstanding support for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Alistair Murray and Beryl Magill were nominated for the Chevron-RFDS Spirit of the West Awards, which recognises the efforts of people who have supported the charity.

When he is not busy answering emergency calls around town with his wife and fellow St John Ambulance volunteer, Natalie, Mr Murray devotes his time fundraising for the service, including completing an 11-day trek across the State on horseback.

In 2008, the couple established the Gibb River Horse Ride Challenge, trekking from Napier Downs Station near Derby to Ellenbrae Station.

Two years later the pair achieved their dream and raised $5000 for the organisation. Mr Murray said the event was about raising money and awareness of RFDS across the iconic Gibb River Road.

“What we reinforced within the local population and tourists is how lucky they are to have a service that can respond to emergency services quickly to provide best practice medical care,” he said.

The couple chose RFDS as their charity after witnessing the organisation’s tremendous work during their long years of service with St John Ambulance.

“We have seen first-hand the quality of medical treatment given to patients and the ‘all hours, all weather’ volume of flights in and out of Broome Airport.” Mr Murray will join local Beryl Magill, another long-serving patron of the charity.

For four years, Ms Magill devoted every Sunday morning manning a stall to raise money for the charity.