Di’s Ambulance Wish was to meet players from her beloved Port Adelaide Football Club
On the 13th August 2025, Di’s Ambulance Wish was fulfilled when she players from her beloved Port Adelaide Football Club. Ambulance Wish South Australia, in a new partnership Motor Neuron Disease SA (MND SA), brought this special wish to life—creating lasting memories for Di and her loved ones.
Di has been a passionate Port Adelaide supporter her entire life, following both the SANFL and AFL teams with unwavering dedication. One of her most treasured possessions is a hand-knitted Port Adelaide blanket from 2009, lovingly made by a friend from her bingo group. It features the names of every player from that season—a true symbol of her loyalty.
Di drove to the Port Adelaide Football Club training session in the Wish Ambulance, where she was all smiles, laughter, and joy. She posed for photos, shared stories, and connected with many players, including club legends Travis Boak and Chad Cornes. Di told the Wish Team that she was especially thrilled to meet Travis Boak, describing him as “a beautiful person and easy on the eye.”
Although Motor Neuron Disease makes it difficult for Di to speak, she communicated using technology—and her spirit shone through. There was plenty of laughter, and Di even joked, “I used to do the Nutbush, now I do the MND shuffle!”
Players chatted warmly with Di and her family, signing a jersey and her Ambulance Wish Bear, Pete, and sharing in the fun. Di’s cheeky charm lit up the day, and the smiles were endless.
Di summed it up perfectly: “All of it was wonderful. A wonderful day. Thank you.”
It takes a Village to fulfill an Ambulance Wish. A Big Thank You to:
- Ambulance Wish Team: Amanda, Rebecca, Nick, Karen, Liz, Ingrid, Alicia, Alex, Shyla and David
- Palliative Care Service Partner: Motor Neuron Disease SA (MND SA), with Kanda’s support
- Wish Site Partner: Port Adelaide Football Club
- Village Captains: Di, Stephen and Karen
- Photographer: Russell Millard (partially donated services)
- Memory Book Printer: Newstyle Print (partially donated services)
- AWSA Lead Organisation: Palliative Care South Australia
- AWSA Collaborative Partners: St John Ambulance | SA and Flinders University
- AWSA Program Supporter: SA Government, SA Health and The Honourable Chris Picton MP
- Sponsor-a-Wish Supporter (for this wish): Henley Opportunity Shop
Our program is proudly supported by community donations, corporate sponsors and the SA Government (SA Health).
Please consider supporting this incredible program and people like Ann by making a donation, becoming a friend of Ambulance Wish SA, donating, fundraise, sponsor-a-wish or becoming a corporate partner. www.ambulancewishsa.org.au/donate
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