Graham’s wish was to be surrounded by family and nature at Eagleby Wetlands

Located on the Albert River, the Eagleby Wetlands are home to more than 200 native bird species, melaleuca wetlands, a freshwater lake, woodland, and cane fields. They are one of Queensland’s most magical spots for nature lovers. It was no surprise when retired dairy farmer Graham asked Ambulance Wish Queensland to create forever memories for his wife Lyn and their family and friends with a visit to this beautiful spot.

“The Wetlands are a beautiful open space that Graham and I have been to several times, and we love it there. It is a special place for us and is somewhere we want to share with the friends and family that mean so much to us,” said Lyn.

Originally from New Zealand, where he adopted sons Joshua and Nathan with his first wife, Graham migrated to Australia over 40 years ago. Between building Australia’s largest Christmas tree with son Josh and meeting Lyn seven years go and falling in love, it’s safe to say the move worked out for Graham, the boys and everyone who is important to them.

For Graham and Lyn, their family is central to everything they do, but busy lives and hectic schedules mean gathering the clan is not always straightforward. In fact, prior to today, the last time that Graham and Lyn were surrounded by everyone they love was two years ago, on their wedding day.

So, on a beautiful Queensland winter’s day, it was Ambulance Wish Queensland’s pleasure to enable Graham, Lyn, Graham’s son Joshua, wife Kelly and three children, son Nathan, and Lyn’s daughter and four children to come together along with several family friends for a special day surrounded by nature.

As our Wish Ambulance named Betty, (after our first ambulance wish recipient (Read Betty’s Story) arrived at the Wetlands, we were reminded of the six degrees of separation that ties us all together, as Joshua’s wife’s friend is the daughter of Betty. A quick text ‘Betty is bringing Graham out’ was fired off and we’re sure it prompted fond recollections of Betty’s day in the sunshine, eating an ice-cream at the Botanical Gardens in Brisbane in July 2019.

After enjoying the sunshine, and watching the swans and ducks surrounded by birdsong, the family headed up to the park where friends were waiting for a BBQ lunch. Graham’s love of his family was on show throughout the day, as he regularly commented to the Wish Team how they should ‘look at his charming smile’, before speaking with pride about his grandchildren’s swimming achievements, who responded with achievements of their own, divulging how they help grandad by hiding his favourite sweets from Lyn!

Ambulance Wish Queensland would like to thank our amazing volunteers who help us to deliver each Ambulance Wish, fulfilling wishes and creating memories forever. Thank you to Ranger Kyle and Ranger Mick from Logan City Council, who went above and beyond, allowing our Wish Ambulance ‘Betty” access to the boardwalk so Graham and his family could go out onto the viewing platform.

Thank you also to Jennifer, Bethany, Brayden, Gayle and Ange, who delivered Graham’s Wish and Logan City Council and St Vincent’s Private Hospital Brisbane for their support.

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.