Great grandmother dies just hours after she was granted her final wish to see the ocean

A dying grandmother got her one last wish to visit the beach in her final hours.

The Daily Mail reported that paramedics fulfilled Shirley McHugh’s, known as ‘Shirl the Peal’, final desire by taking her to Newcastle's Bar Beach, in NSW, 'so she could feel the salt breeze one last time'.

Once the 94-year-old saw the waves crashing onto the shore, she proclaimed to paramedic Brittaney Banks: “I’m home.”

According to the outlet, Ms McHugh sadly died 15 hours later.

NSW Ambulance

The granddaughters of the stylish nan were incredibly thankful to the staff for helping grant the special request.

“Thank you ladies for fulfilling my Nan's final wish on her way home,” Emma Brown wrote.

Ms Banks replied: “She had such a beautiful soul, it was really my pleasure.

"I am so glad we could bring her home.”

Ms McHugh had 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

NSW Ambulance shared in a Facebook post: “When 94-year-old Shirley McHugh asked to see the ocean while being transported from Sydney to Newcastle, paramedics went above and beyond to make her wish come true.

NSW Ambulance

“Brittaney and Hannah were recently thanked by Shirley’s emotional family for taking her to her favourite spot at Bar Beach so she could feel the salt breeze in her hair one last time, only 15 hours before she died.”

Many were left touched by the sweet story, as one person wrote: “Awww this is absolutely beautiful. Thank you to these two amazing paramedic girls Brittany and Hannah for doing such a great job. We all appreciate you very much.”

Another said: “Absolutely amazing. Bless you for your incredible humanity and kindness.”

While a third commented: “Not all superheroes wear capes, and you are definitely heroes."

This isn't the first time Australian paramedics have helped dying patients go to the beach for one last look at the ocean.

Two Queensland paramedics were praised back in 2021 for a similar act.

Local man Neil King saw the pair wheeling the patient's bed to the water's edge at Cleveland Point Lighthouse in Brisbane.

He snapped a photo of the sweet scene and posted it to social media to celebrate Queensland Ambulance Service's actions.

"So grateful to our front line workers serving so kindly. The gesture was amazing but the kind words and lovely conversation they shared even more so," he wrote on Facebook alongside the image.

"Thank you Queensland Ambulance Service you are amazing."

Topics: News

Charisa Bossinakis

Charisa Bossinakis is an Associative Journalist at LADbible. Charisa has worked across various media platforms including, print, digital, radio and podcasting while maintaining the highest regard for quality work and integrity. She also covered everything from breaking news, to pop culture, entertainment and politics and is part of the editorial team for LADbible.

@CBossinakis