Road trip: Mick Block with his stepson Jake Leontiew, heading up to Cape York in the memory of his wife Ann-Maree. PICTURE: KATE HEALY
Creswick woman Ann-Maree Block sat in her home with her husband Mick on December 12 last year, discussing the couple’s next big adventure – an escape to Cape York.
Five days later, Ann-Maree lost her fight with breast cancer.
Today, Mick Block and Ann-Maree’s son, Jake Leontiew, 14, begin the four-week Cape York trek , planning to raise awareness for hospice in every shire they pass.
Mr Block said he was proud to complete his wife’s top-end travel dream with his stepson.
“We thought about chartering a helicopter, but five days after we discussed it, she passed away,” he said.
When the couple married on January 15, 2011, a four wheel drive Nissan Patrol took pride of place as the wedding car – despite the priest’s misgivings.
Now, that car will take Ann-Maree’s husband and son on the adventure she imagined.
“I’m pretty honoured to do it in her name,” Jake said.
“Ballarat hospice helped us with allowing Ann Maree to stay at home,” Mr Block said.
“Ann-Maree didn’t want to die in hospital. She wanted to die at home, surrounded by family.”
For information on hospice care, visit www.palliativecare.org.au