My name is Chris Blewitt and we have been visiting Forster.
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This is our first time in Forster with two kids. The reason for our visit was the Ronald McDonald House. We have a boy that was born with half a heart (HLHS) just under seven years ago. He has had four open heart surgeries and many procedures in the first five years of his life.
We are fortunate enough that everything went so well that he is now only having to see the doctor every 12 months. We realised the moment we got here that it’s only in this last 12 months we’ve been able to plan a proper holiday as we weren’t on a waiting list for a surgery.
So… I’m just writing as we have just spent four days in your lovely town. Firstly our accommodation was free. We are staying in a two bedroom apartment overlooking the lovely waters and bridge that separate Forster and Tuncurry.
It has free Foxtel and is fitted out with all the toys and games our boys need. Rhiannon from RMH organised everything. We turned up and all was organised. There has been so many shops we have seen around town that have supported this place in some way with fundraising. It is just so nice that complete strangers seven hours from our home are in this wonderful community supporting us. It’s just an amazing thing to think about.
Not only this loving support to get us here, but we received a book of vouchers to several businesses around town. We went to the Forster Entertainment Centre. Not only did we get tenpin bowling, mini golf and laser skirmish for free, he gave the boys chips, lollies and drinks all for free and invited us back anytime.
We also went on the Amaroo Whale watching cruise and the owner gave us a 50 per cen discount for our family. We had the most amazing time as a family watching such beautiful mammals. My wife was treated to a shampoo and style at One Hair and Beauty free of charge and were just lovely to her. We visited the beach pool and several cafés and shops around town and everyone and everything was just so beautiful.
I am just overwhelmed with the kindness, love and support that has been shown by this lovely town. Complete strangers helping complete strangers. It’s just a beautiful thing.
I don’t often think about my son’s condition much anymore. It is a lifelong thing for him and we will no doubt have some further challenges in the future, but for these four days we have reflected on how difficult the times we have faced and what we have been through. We’ve also been able to reflect on how lucky we are to have our beautiful son, healthy, bright and full of life. Mostly it’s been amazing to see how absolutely lovely it is to be living in such a beautiful country with beautiful people.
Your town is amazing and has made us feel very special and from the bottom of our hearts we thank you so much.
We will be back for sure.