15th April 2021
Firefighters give our youngest little fighters a morning they'll never forget
Firefighters give our youngest little fighters a morning they'll never forget.
You could hear the laughs and gasps and see the massive smiles before you even saw the fire trucks parked at the Townsville University Hospital Friday morning.
Our local legends, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services drove their favourite big red engines to the hospital to surprise the kids and their families in the children’s ward.
Firefighter Hal Tucker organised the morning visit with Brighter Lives, Townsville Hospital Foundation, and said they always look forward to hospital visits and really enjoy doing them.
“You can’t get anything better than making kids forget about being sick, it takes really nothing for us to come here and nothing out of our day, but we know it means the world to them and we know they will remember for many years to come.
“There was one little boy who had just started treatment for his leukemia, and if we hadn’t shown up today he would’ve missed out on what he said was the best morning ever,” said Hal.
Even though there were flashing bright lights and sirens, it’s also about education and safety.
“We hope by spreading awareness and education about what QFES does within the community, that it will inspire future generations to become firefighters,” said Hal.
Brighter Lives CEO Tanya Busoli said the looks on the kid's and families' faces were priceless.
“The smiles and laughter from the kids and their families really says it all. Kids that have had a tougher year than most are able to forget, even albeit for a few hours, and enjoy exploring the trucks and spraying the hoses.
“It’s so heartwarming, I think the staff and I watching almost get more out of it than the kids. To be able to watch them having such a great time really makes our day as well,” said Tanya.
The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services have always supported the community and the Townsville Hospital and Health Services and they look forward to making a regular appearance.
“Together with Outer Limits, we are raising money for Brighter Lives, when we abseil off the side of Castle Hill. The event sold out within 24 hours! Thanks so much for the support shown by our community, this allows us to support our local hospital charity.”
“With the help from Brighter Lives, we also plan to come out to the hospital more often to educate families and staff on fire safety,” said Hal.
