This was the experience for Hampstead School six-year-old Greta Barltrop, who went on Air New Zealand’s Koru Care Little Stars flight around the South Island last month. Koru Care NZ is a charity for children who have disabilities or a terminal illness. And this is the fourth time Air New Zealand have done a Koru Care flight in New Zealand, while the airline has been offering them internationally for more than 40 years.
Greta was one of 50 children who were Air New Zealand’s VIPs for the day. They boarded a Dreamliner aircraft for the NZ8477 flight. It was through Kidney Kids she and her mum Lauren were offered the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Lauren was 20-weeks pregnant with Greta when an ultrasound revealed her baby’s left kidney wasn’t functioning properly. Greta Barltrop during a stop off in Sydney as part of the preflight party for Little Stars passengers. Photo: Supplied The kidney disease sufferer makes regular trips to hospital.
She has had three big surgeries, the first when she was only a few months old, to assist with draining the organ. Nevertheless, Greta is bright, bubbly and chatty. Having a naughty kidney is normal for her, she takes it in her stride and does not let her condition define her or get the better of her.
She said she had many memories from the special day. The flight offered stunning views of the South Island as they flew over Hokitika, around Mt Cook and down to Dunedin before returning to Christchurch. She particularly liked seeing t.