A bittersweet story of will, character and compassion

This is a bittersweet story of will, of character, and of what I think the world needs most right now - compassion.

Last week, we were sent in a story from Dr Barry Kirby, an Australian doctor working in Papua New Guinea.

He tells of an epic tale of how, against all odds, he was able to save three lives in PNG. The odds being a massive lack of medical equipment and doctors around the country. The odds of having to fly a small Beaver amphibian plane through turbulent weather, patients on board with potentially fatal conditions, urgently trying to get them to the hospital in time. The odds of having to perform an emergency landing on his own.

And while this doctor may seem like a modern day Indiana Jones, behind all of that is a guy who has devoted his life to helping raise the appalling standards of health in developing countries like PNG.

Dr Kirby's story had a profound impact on me, not only because of his sheer will, character and compassion, but because the man who donated the GE handheld ultrasound to Dr Kirby - Peter Loko - had tragically passed away earlier this month. Dr Kirby had written to us to thank Peter.

Peter was GE's country leader in his homeland of PNG. He was a man of strong character and humility. I recall every time I spoke with Peter about PNG, he would have a glint in his eyes. He fought hard - with his heart and his soul - to make his country a better place for its people. He had a passion that went so far beyond doing good business - it came from a genuine place of wanting to make a real difference.

At a time when we are faced with constant noise, volatility and more pressure than ever to deliver; it gives me hope that there are people like Barry and - until two weeks ago - Peter, in this world. It made me think: how can I do more good?

Here is the full story, I urge you to read it. It is a beautiful tribute to Peter, whose legacy will remain in the lives made better because of his will and love for his country.