A father and daughter duo from Adelaide have set out on a bold 154km walk to Wallaroo to raise funds for Ambulance Wish SA, determined to complete the journey within 48 hours.
This challenging trek is not just a test of Chloe and Mark Hodgson’s stamina but also a celebration of their late uncle’s memory and a chance to bring joy to those in palliative care.
“As hard as this challenge will be physically and mentally, it doesn’t compare to what unwell people go through on an everyday basis,” says Chloe.
Ambulance Wish SA grants one final wish to bring joy to those in palliative care and create long-lasting memories that they can share with loved ones.
The program was only recently established in South Australia after CEO Palliative Care SA and Ambulance Wish SA’s Program Director, Shyla Mills, brought the program back to her home state after establishing it in Queensland.
“It’s become a partnership between local charities and health services to get to together and give these patients one last good day and their friends and families long-lasting memories,” Shyla said.
Chloe’s uncle, who recently passed away from cancer, had signed up for a final wish to see his beloved dog, Diva, one last time.
“Unfortunately didn’t get to make that come true as it was too late,” Chloe said.
“So by doing this, we are hoping to make someone else’s last dream come true.”
So far, they’ve raised just over $900 – at the time this was written – of $3,000 target for Ambulance Wish SA, with each wish costing around $2,000 to help provide comfort and happiness during challenging times. They previously raised $2,000 for the charity, when Chloe’s uncle passed, which was donated earlier this year.
According to Shyla, this fundraiser is one of the first for Ambulance Wish SA after it was established earlier this year.
“Big big thank you to Mark and Chloe for kicking off our fundraising efforts,” Shyla said.
They’ll be walking from Mark’s Adelaide home to his mother’s house in Wallaroo. Throughout their walk, the father and daughter will tackle diverse South Aussie terrains and push through sleepless hours, driven by their mission to make a difference.
When Mark told Chloe of his plan to trek over 154kms for charity, she said “there’s no way you are doing that alone!”
“I’ve told him to enjoy the peace and quiet while we are training apart, because I’ll be chatting his ear off the whole time,” laughed Chloe.
She says she is looking forward to getting to spend some quality time with her dad.
“Dad suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and survived cancer back in 2021, so not only is this going to be super tough on his body but he also feels for those that are suffering. That’s another reason why we are doing this,” added Chloe.
Chloe says they will be walking for most of the 48 hours, through the night and only stopping half way – at Port Wakefield – for an hour break.
“Mentally it’s going to be a challenge, 154km is going to feel like forever,” she added.
Donations can be made through their dedicated fundraising page, and supporters can follow their progress with regular updates along the way.
“The support we’ve already received has been incredible,” said Chloe.
“Every donation helps us get closer to making someone’s last wish come true. We’re filled with hope and gratitude as we embark on this journey.”
Mark says he wants to turn his personal loss into something positive that can uplift others.
“This journey is going to be tough, but it’s a small sacrifice compared to the challenges faced by those in palliative care,” said Mark.
Earlier in the year, the charity gave their first SA wish to Simon for him to enjoy a pie at Adelaide Oval with his mates, a story that took the internet by storm.
While his family and friends enjoyed a kick of the footy on the Oval, Simon took a moment to feel the Adelaide Oval grass on his feet and smiled as his saw a message on the old score board which read “Welcome Back Simon”.
“It’s often simple pleasures that matter most when the end stage of life is near – a visit home, one last sunset or a cuddle with a pet. This program is about making these special wishes possible,” Shyla says.
Each wish recipient receives a Wish Bear, named Peter after Shyla’s father, who was GP from Keith and Victor Harbor. He sadly died of kidney failure in 2023 while Ambulance Wish SA was underdevelopment and was never able to have a Ambulance Wish.
Everyone who goes through the program also receives a Memory Blanket, donated by a community group in the Adelaide Hills. These Memory Blankets keep each recipient warm throughout their Ambulance Wish, they then get to keep the blanket after as a keepsake of the day.
St John Ambulance SA offer medical support on the day and facilitate safe transport to and from the wish location.
SA’s Health Minister, Chris Picton, also supports the cause.
“Palliative care can be a difficult time for the person going through it, their families and carers. This is a wonderful initiative that gives people with a life-limiting condition and who are nearing the end of their lives an experience that has great meaning to them and their loved ones,” he said.
“Ambulance Wish SA creates priceless memories for people who need it the most.”
As Chloe and Mark set off on their challenging yet uplifting journey, Shyla wishes them all the best.
“Thank you so much Mark and Chloe and good luck! Enjoy getting to spend time together doing this walk because life is precious, try to spend as much time as you can with the ones you love.”
What: Fundraiser for Ambulance Wish SA
When: 5th of October
Where: Adelaide to Wallaroo
Donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/
More News
