Melbourne doctor swaps hospital ward for cockpit in 27,000km fundraising effort

A Melbourne doctor is swapping the hospital ward for the cockpit, setting off on a solo flight around the country to raise more than $4 million for children with rare diseases.

Associate Professor Andrew Kornberg will pilot a light aircraft across approximately 27,000 kilometres, making 20 stops over 25 days. 

"Look, it is hard flying day in, day out. But it's nothing compared to what our children and families go through," he said.

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The $4.5 million raised will contribute to the establishment of a specialised treatment centre at the Royal Children's Hospital.

"We need to have dedicated staff, dedicated beds, dedicated infrastructure and that is the vision," Kornberg said.

The proposed facility aims to address the critical need for specialised resources.

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"We've got to look after our children. We've got to make sure that there's hope. And this is the hope I'm trying to bring," Kornberg said.

It's not uncharted territory for the doctor – this is the second time Kornberg has taken to the skies to raise money for sick kids.

The impact of improved access to treatment was highlighted by parents of children who have 

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.