A HOT air balloon company is promising an uplifting experience to Scenic Rim residents who have suffered a great loss due to the aftermath of ex-Cyclone Debbie.
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Go Ballooning owner Murray Blyth said he would offer free hot air balloon rides to farming families, couples and individuals who were affected by the floods.
“One of our pilots, Simon, now has enough hours to fly the next sized hot air balloon and has to do a few flights in the aircraft,” he said.
“We thought we should help the community and give families an uplifting experience after ex-Cyclone Debbie left her mark on the Scenic Rim.”
Mr Blyth said he and Simon Caswell took their first passengers, Tash Wauchope and her son Braxton, 5, on a ride last week.
“What they went through was terrible. When we were up in the air, it was surreal because she could see where her old house was flooded and the house she is living in now,” he said.
“It was good to see they enjoyed the experience and hopefully it brought some positivity during this tough time.”
Mr Blyth said he was still searching for more flood victims who wished to go on a ride.
Tabragalba resident Ms Wauchope said she was grateful for the surprise and was happy to see her son enjoy the hot air balloon ride.
“It was good to de-stress and enjoy the ride after what we’ve been through,” she said.
Ms Wauchope said she and her family were trapped in their home during the peak of the floods on March 30.
“We had half a foot of water go through the house on Beaudesert-Nerang Road,” she said.
“The road was flooded on both sides until it reached us and the rescue boat came and got us.”
Still undergoing the flood recovery process, Ms Wuachope said the hot air balloon ride was just what she needed.
“It hasn’t been long since we’ve had to do a big move and chuck out what was ruined,” she said.
“We are still going through the long process so I’m staying positive and seeing this as a fresh start.”
For those interested, call Mr Blyth on 0401 967 747.
Jocelyn Garcia
Jocelyn is a journalist at the Redland City Bulletin, covering education issues and school stories. She was a former journalist at Beaudesert Times, reporting about crime, schools and agriculture.
Jocelyn is a journalist at the Redland City Bulletin, covering education issues and school stories. She was a former journalist at Beaudesert Times, reporting about crime, schools and agriculture.
