Leigh’s Ambulance Wish was to visit SeaWorld and for four generations to share in her love of the ocean
For four generations of animal lovers, a Wish came true today as Ambulance Wish Queensland granted Leigh’s wish to take her family on a spectacular day out to SeaWorld on the Gold Coast. Leigh, or GG (great grandmother) as she is lovingly called, was joined by husband Greg, daughter Tristie, step-granddaughter Claudia and Claudia’s son (great-grandson) James on an action-packed day of spectacular wildlife, behind the scenes tours and family fun.
And for Leigh, the day was all about creating those special memories that last a lifetime, especially for James, who, at 4.5 months old, will have a wealth of stories, photos and remembrance to commemorate an amazing day.
For many years now, the stars of the show at SeaWorld has been their amazing polar bears and today was no different. But unlike most visitors, Leigh and her family were able to get a little closer to the wonderful creatures than many thanks to a private guided tour of the polar bears’ enclosure where they met Mishka and Nelson, the resident superstars.
The polar bears’ keeper gave Leigh and her family a private talk and fed the bears in front of them before giving Leigh a unique gift, some polar bear fur to take home.
Following the polar bears, more VIP experiences followed, first, at the dolphin enclosure, where the family got up close and personal with the stunning creatures. Leigh commented how much she loved the fact that the dolphins came up to the family.
At the aquarium, Leigh reminisced about her love of the ocean, the beauty of the sea life, the vibrant colours and for our Wish Team it was clear just how much the day was meaning to everyone. To round things off, the family were given a tour of a brand-new exhibit – Sea Jellies Illuminated – where the colourful creatures amazed young and old.
And it wouldn’t be a trip to SeaWorld without indulging in a tasty treat, with delicious Churros being what a wonderful day out required to embed the forever memories into the hearts and minds of every member of the four generations of a loving family.
As Leigh’s husband Greg said, “It was an amazing day.”
Ambulance Wish Queensland would like to thank the team at SeaWorld, especially our wonderful host Audrey who went above and beyond to ensure that Leigh and her family had a wonderful experience.
We would also like to thank our Palliative Care Service Parter Gold Coast HHS and the Wish Team of Kristy, Chloe, Kris, Marnie and Ange without who we could not have delivered this wish and created forever memories for another family.
Ambulance Wish Queensland is proudly supported by the Queensland Government and we thank the staff and volunteers at both Queensland Health and Queensland Ambulance Service who help our Palliative Care Queensland team to fulfil wishes and create memories forever.
