Trisha lived out her dream of becoming a Qantas flight attendant for a day, serving passengers and experiencing life as a member of the airline’s cabin crew.
The 12-year-old Victorian has overcome end-stage kidney failure and undergone a transplant. Through Make-A-Wish Australia, she was able to leave the hospital ward behind and take her dream to the skies.
Trisha’s family travels by plane each year, and every journey has deepened her fascination with flight attendants and the vital work they do onboard.
For her wish, Trisha wanted an authentic cabin crew experience. More than simply wearing the uniform, she hoped to feel like part of the team, assist with passenger service and help care for travellers during a flight.
With support from Australia’s national carrier, Trisha travelled on QF735 from Sydney to Adelaide on September 15, dressed in the iconic Qantas uniform.
Before taking to the skies, she completed training and learned emergency procedures. She then earned her wings and helped serve passengers during the flight.
“My favorite part is pushing the trolley with the snacks. It makes me feel very excited, and very happy,” she said.
Passengers greeted Trisha warmly, smiling as she moved along the aisle and carried out her cabin crew duties.
Trisha’s father, Gerald, said it was uplifting to watch his daughter light up with happiness and excitement.
“To be a member of the cabin crew and then doing the service and talking to the customers on the flight – it was quite a great experience for her,” he said.
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Her mother, Michelle, said Trisha had endured a “rough trot” and described seeing her daughter’s wish come true as an amazing moment.
“Trisha’s always loved the behind the scenes of anything, really, and then to see her do all that at the [Qantas] training centre, and to see work the flight in that Qantas uniform – everyone has made her day.”
Qantas cabin crew member Ashlee Fischer, who supported Trisha as her buddy throughout the experience, said she was incredibly proud of the 12-year-old.
“When she came to the training center she just jumped straight in,” Ms. Fischer said.
“Her confidence, her joy – she was having so much fun, laughing, smiling. She learnt so much, and so much of that I saw on the flight as well.
“I just could not be more proud. It was so incredible to be involved, to be her buddy.”
Ms. Fischer said the experience would stay with her for years and hoped Trisha had the “best time.”
“This is definitely one of the highlights of my career, being involved in making this wish come true for Trisha.”
Qantas later shared a video of Trisha’s cabin crew experience on social media, where it prompted an outpouring of warm reactions.
“Well done Qantas, hope Trisha gets to have a long and healthy life and maybe one day she might be working on a plane I’m flying on,” one person wrote.
“I was lucky to meet Trish when she signed on at the flight attendant lounge. Such a beautiful family. I am so happy she had a fabulous and special day,” another added.
