Queenstown businesses make dream come true

Friday, 9 July 2010, 12:18 pm
Press Release: Destination Queenstown

 9 July 2010

Queenstown businesses make dream come true

Queenstown businesses have helped fulfill the dream of a terminally ill patient to give his family memories that will last a lifetime.

Auckland Mercy Hospice patient Marc Hill and his family flew back to Auckland this week after an amazing holiday in Queenstown.  The trip was organised by Mercy Hospice and Destination Queenstown with the generous support of a number of Queenstown businesses.

Thirty-nine year old Marc has advanced motor neurone disease and is part of Mercy Hospice’s ‘Opening Doors’ programme which aims to provide a range of activities and change of environment for the palliatively ill. 

Programme Co-ordinator Viv James says life’s been tough for Marc and his family since his diagnosis but they’ve continued to be positive and upbeat.

“Until a few years ago Marc was a healthy and strong young man but just before he and Rachelle got married he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.  The shock and subsequent life readjustments prevented them from ever having a honeymoon or family holidays.

“Marc’s now in a wheelchair but he still wants to live the rest of his life to the fullest.  It was his dream to have one amazing holiday away with his family which would provide them all with lasting memories and Queenstown has certainly given them that.  They’ve had the time of their lives and created some very precious memories which they can treasure forever and relive through the photos and footage donated to them. 

“The most outstanding feature of this holiday for Marc and Rachelle has been the warmth, kindness and generosity of all of the people involved – they were truly blown away.

“Thank you Queenstown – your gift to this family was beyond words.”

Destination Queenstown CEO Tony Everitt says the support from local businesses epitomises Queenstown’s generosity of spirit. 

“All the businesses we contacted were happy to provide their full support and their kindness has meant that Marc and his family can share some wonderful memories.”

The Hill family, Mercy Hospice and Destination Queenstown would like to thank the following organisations for helping make Marc’s trip possible:
Southland Hospice, Air New Zealand, Peppers Beacon, Reg’s Bikes, NZSki, Skyline Gondola, Restaurant and Luge, The Helicopter Line, Nomad Safaris, Shotover Jet, Body Sanctum Mobile Massage, Gantleys, Botswana Butchery, The Cow, Joe’s Garage, Patagonia, and BP Connect.

The Hill family was also treated to a range of activities in Wanaka.

ENDS

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