A Journey Filled with Hope: Ambulance Wish Makes Dreams Come True

On Friday 5 May, Hospice patient Terry got a very special wish granted – he got to return home to visit his paddocks and care for his four horses and farm dogs after being hospitalised since mid-April.

President of the Western Australian Endurance Riders Association, Terry was very passionate about looking after his horses and riding them in the Jarrahdale forest. He lived on a five-acre property in Cardup with Caren, his partner of ten years, and enjoyed travelling with his caravan and horse float to events.

Naturally, Terry found it difficult to be away from his home and horses, and due to his disease progression and deterioration, was unable to return home for care.

“The Palliative Care team were fantastic in supporting Terry’s referral to Wish Ambulance as an opportunity to acknowledge and fulfil his wish to return home to see his beloved animals,” Emily, our Senior Occupational Therapist said.

“During his admission Terry and his family worked closely alongside Allied Health Department, Medical Team and Nursing Team to understand what was important and meaningful to him. It was touching to see Terry’s excitement on the morning Wish Ambulance arrived to collect him”

The Ambulance Wish Western Australia enables people receiving palliative care or who are terminally ill to fulfil a final wish by visiting a place of personal significance. They have medically trained volunteers and adapted ambulances to provide the means to make these last dreams come true.

Thanks to Ambulance Wish, Terry was able to see his horses, dogs, and family before he passed away.

If caregivers are interested in utilising this service for patients, you can find out more information on how to request a wish at ambulancewishwa.org.au. Or, if you would like to support Ambulance Wish WA at their Teal and Turquoise High Tea, you can get tickets from www.trybooking.com/CIERU.