Harvey girl with serious medical condition earns her pilot wings with Starlight Children’s Foundation

A Harvey girl with a serious medical condition got the chance to follow her dreams, earning her pilot wings on a flight to Queensland thanks to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Imogen Smith, lovingly known as Imi, was born with a rare genetic disease, fanconi anaemia, as well as multiple complex health conditions including partial deafness.

Now seven years old, Imi has spent much of her life in hospital undergoing treatment.

Imi’s father Russell Smith said despite her ongoing challenges, Imi was always outgoing, happy and energetic, with the ability to make new friends wherever she went.

With big dreams for the future, Mr Smith said Imi had several things on her list for when she grew up, with teaching, nursing and hairdressing just like her mum all on the table.

Imi also has dreams of flying which, thanks to the Starlight Children’s Foundation, she was able to live out earlier this year.

Through Starlight, working with Virgin Australia, Imi and her family were able to fly to Queensland to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience with five other children as part of Starlight’s Stars of the Future aviation experience.

Imi was treated to a behind-the-scenes visit to Brisbane Airport, helping guests check in, landing a plane in a virtual flight simulator, and heading onboard an actual plane to check out the cockpit with the pilots and crew.

Mr Smith said she loved the whole experience, especially being on the plane and making announcements to the cabin.

He said she proudly announced to the plane “My name is Imogen, and we are going to America”.

Ever unique, when given the the choice of dressing as cabin crew or a pilot, Imi saw the cabin crew’s dress and had her heart set Mr Smith said.

“She was the only one wearing the cabin crew outfit, with the full scarf and everything,” he said.

“Because she was wearing the cabin crew outfit, there was a little bit of favouritism towards her from the cabin crew.”

Mr Smith said following their flight, they decided to extend their trip and go sightseeing, visiting Australia Zoo and theme parks.

Imi was a bit of an “adrenaline junkie”, he said, jumping on to any rollercoaster she was tall enough to ride.

She’s not afraid at all.

Starlight chief executive Louise Baxter said being seriously ill should not mean children like Imi missed out on opportunities to follow their dreams.

“Thanks to our partnership with Virgin Australia, we have built an unforgettable aviation experience shaped by the interests of the children and families we support,” she said.

“Because happiness matters.”

Virgin Australia executive Libby Minogue said she was proud the organisation had been able to play its part in bringing smiles to more than 3000 children since their initial partnership in 2010.

“It is an honour to support in making these dreams a reality,” she said.

Mr Smith said the whole experience was great, and Imi already wanted to start planning her next big adventure.

“She really wants to go over to America and see stuff over there,” he said.

Imi and her family are sharing their story in support of Starlight’s Tour de Kids challenge, a fundraising cycling event throughout September.

Mr Smith said he would be doing his best to get people from his work involved, and Imi herself was keen to take up the challenge.

“Imogen is still in the process of learning to ride,” he said.

“So, we’ll make sure we pump up the tires on our bikes and go for a bit of a spin around the block.”

Others can sign up to the Tour De Kids challenge by visiting tourdekids.org.au.