They say a brisk walk in nature is good for your heart health. So it's hoped an upcoming day on the Pambula-Merimbula Golf Club fairways will give some comfort to Ben Ashton in his wait for a donor heart.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The son of PMGC member Ian Ashton, Ben is is serious heart failure and urgently needs a transplant.
The 36-year-old Goulburn resident is married and has an 18-month-old son Luca who he wishes to see grow up.
On April 13, Ben received a call from the heart transplant team advising that initial tests on a donor heart had revealed a match for him. He was quickly admitted to hospital and advised that subject to further testing on the donor heart being favourable, a transplant would be scheduled for around midday Sunday, April 14.
He was taken to the anaesthetic bay for preparation around 11am only to be told 45 minutes later that the donor heart wasn't 100 per cent suitable and the operation was cancelled.
Ian said it was not unusual for a "false start" as extensive testing on the donor organ takes place right up to the scheduled surgery.
"What was unusual was this was Ben's second - the previous occurred when he was an inpatient."
With lost income due to significant time in hospital, ongoing medical treatment and accommodation and travel between their home in Goulburn and St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney, the family have considerable costs to cover.
A Gofundme page set up by Ian in March has already raised more than $73,000 and it's hoped a sizable sum can be added to that on the golf day.
On Sunday, May 19, everyone is welcome to a modified ambrose stableford round at PMGC, 9.30am for a 10am shotgun start.
Entry fee for the day is $20, with $15 going towards Ben's appeal and the other $5 towards the prizes for the day.
Along with cash prizes for winners in numerous categories on the day, there will also be raffles for pro shop vouchers.
Eighty players have already signed up but there are plenty of spots remaining.
Book now via the PMGC pro shop online or by calling 6495 6280.
"This cause means everything to me because I've had 36 tough but wonderful years with my son Ben," Ian wrote on the Gofundme page.
"I hope Ben has the same opportunity to see his son Luca, grow up.
"Your generous donation can't buy a new heart for Ben, but it will ensure that once he receives the 'gift of life', Ben gets to spend some quality time with his family without the stress of increased debt caused by his illness."