A couple from the Hastings have made a dream come true for a very ill woman.
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Skye Hayton has always loved horses and the ocean, and she owned a horse when she was younger.
Seven years ago, she was hit by a bus and dragged along the road, and she suffered brain damage and had to have her leg amputated.
Since then, Skye’s condition has worsened and her organs are starting to shut down. She is receiving palliative care, and two weeks ago, her doctor gave her just seven days to live.
“She has always loved horses and the beach, so we wanted to do something special for her birthday,” said her mother, Shannon Catton.
Skye is from the Blue Mountains, and now lives in Walcha near her brother, Cameron and his family.
She was thrilled to be with them at Lighthouse Beach in Port Macquarie in the bright sunshine, to meet her new friend, Konan, the Shetland pony, who took her on a sulky ride beside the ocean.
Konan’s owners, Deb and Rod O’Malley, from Hyndmans Creek near Wauchope, run Learn From Horses, a therapeutic program which teaches skills like communication, respect and trust for others. They also take their ponies to nursing homes to visit residents.
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When they heard about Skye’s wish, they were happy to make it come true on Saturday.
“We are delighted to be able to help Skye celebrate her birthday in a special way with all her family,” said Deb.
Rod led Konan the pony along the beach, while Skye rode behind in the sulky, alongside her daughter, Isabella, under a beautiful blue sky.
“I loved it,” said Skye afterwards.
“And Konan is a gorgeous pony, so loving.”
Skye’s family were very grateful to Rod and Deb for making the day so magical.
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