"I'm home": Paramedics grant dying grandmother's final wish
Dedicated paramedics have made an emotional pit stop at the beach for a dying grandmother who wanted to see the ocean one last time.
The ambos were transporting 94-year-old Shirl McHugh to the hospital when the grandmother asked to make a stop at Newcastle's Bar Beach: her favourite spot.
Shirl told the paramedics she wanted to "feel the salt breeze one last time", as she had a feeling she wouldn't be leaving the hospital.
When they stopped at the beach, the great-grandmother relaxed and told paramedic Brittaney Banks, "I'm home".
Thankfully, Ms McHugh was able to bask in a beautifully fine day to take in the famous stretch of beach, which is busy with swimmers, surfers, lifesavers and families most days.
Shirl, who was a respected member of her church as well as the wider community, died just 15 hours after her stop at the ocean.
The NSW ambulance shared Shirl's story to their Instagram page, with paramedic Brittaney Banks recalling the emotional day.
"When I opened the doors of the ambulance, Shirley said 'I'm home', and breathed a sigh of relaxation… it's one of those jobs I will remember forever," Brittaney said.
Her granddaughter expressed her gratitude on social media, thanking the ambulance crew for respecting the special request from the stylish great-grandmother known to many as 'Shirl the Pearl'.
"Thank you ladies for fulfilling my Nan's final wish on her way home," Emma Brown wrote.
"She had such a beautiful soul, it was really my pleasure," Ms Banks replied.
"I am so glad we could bring her home."
Image credits: Instagram