60 Minutes Australia

Grand Canyoning/Wesley’s Homecoming (2015x11)

: 10, 2015

Grand Canyoning Grandparents Glenn Singleman and Heather Swan have a job that is as far from normal as most could imagine. A typical day sees them strapping themselves into wingsuits to soar like birds, defying death and gravity. The last time Liz Hayes was with the pair, Glenn’s attempt to fly from a hot air balloon at 37,000 feet almost ended in disaster. Three years later and not discouraged, Glenn and Heather have been planning their greatest wingsuit challenge ever: to fly across the Grand Canyon. To most it looks impossible, but “impossible” just doesn’t cut it with this high- flying duo. Everything seems to be going smoothly, until landing. Reporter: Liz Hayes Producer: Stephen Rice Wesley’s Homecoming It is one of the most heartbreaking decisions any mother should have to make: give up your son in order to save his life. That’s what Wesley Koni’s mother did after he was horrifically burned inside the family’s grass-hut home in the rugged and remote highlands of Papua New Guinea. It was 1993 and Wesley was just a toddler. The right side of his face, arms and chest fused into an indescribable mess of skin and scar tissue. Wesley was brought to Australia for lifesaving treatment, but the weeks would turn into months, with one surgery after another, and 22 years later he’s had 30 major operations. Now Wesley is heading home to see his mum. Reporter: Karl Stefanovic Producer: Stephen Taylor