They're set to trade a quiet life in the heart of Hampshire for the humid highlands of Papua New Guinea.

Richard and Christine Wall, a pilot and cabin crew couple from Nursling, are to relocate more than 9,000 miles with their children, four-year-old Eloise and Rupert, aged two. 

Richard will become a relief pilot for Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), the world’s largest humanitarian air service, while Christine will be home schooling and navigating the culture, food markets and high altitudes of Mount Hagen. 

(Image: MAF)

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Christine, who grew up in North Carolina and moved to the UK for a cabin crew job with British Airways, said: "We are entering this adventure with open minds, and plan to live day-by-day, creating new rhythms, relationships and meaningful memories.

"Yes, we will miss reliable internet, Googling free New Forest activities and having milk in our coffee – but perhaps we will just have to get a pet goat, and learn new ways to connect with each other and enjoy our jungle surroundings in fun and creative ways."

In his new MAF pilot role, former Draken pilot Richard will navigate some of the most challenging flying conditions in the world, performing medical evacuations and delivering food to isolated communities. 

(Image: Family collection)

He added: "The flying will be challenging – but I’m definitely up for it.

“I’ve always loved my flying jobs – but I feel like I will have a greater purpose as an MAF pilot, helping people and working alongside very rural communities.

"Money and the things we collect don’t make us happy and we want to use our skills to make a positive difference in the world.

"A lot of factors have inspired us to go now – which for us feels like a God-given adventure.

"I could walk into an airline tomorrow and get stuck in a comfortable job earning good money and having security.

"But we want our kids to grow through challenges and help others grow along the way.”

(Image: Family collection)

Before they leave in a few months time, the family, members of St Mary's Church in Southampton, will continue to enjoy the parkrun on the Common, swimming at Red Lodge Community Pool, biking in the New Forest, feeding the ducks in Romsey and exploring Lordshill Library.