What’s on your bucket list?
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
For Trent Clark, meeting Australian singers John Farnham and Daryl Braithwaite was near the top, alongside riding in a motorcycle again after many years since his last trip.
The Maitland Independent Disability Support (MIDS) participant was recently diagnosed with cancer.
Following his diagnosis, he opted to have surgery, which doctors said had a 50 per cent survival rate.
Immediately, the team at MIDS made it their mission to help him tick things off his list.
Little by little, they found ways to keep Mr Clark’s smile on his face.
But on Friday morning, there was nothing that could have removed his excitement.
The team coordinated with the Ulysses Motorcycle Club to pick him up from his home in Thornton on a special motorcycle for a ride around the city.
Trent said he had been on a motorcycle a long time ago and was so keen for another opportunity.
MIDS managing director and CEO Lorraine Martin said Mr Clark had been a participant for a couple of years, and had recently moved in.
“He just had a few things on his list that he would have liked to have done,” she said.
“He loves motorcycles and trucks and he’s mentioned a few things he would like to do.
“It’s all about making his dreams come true because we don’t know how long he’s got.”
She said the greatest part about being able to do something like this was to put a smile on someone’s face – especially when that person was the kind and friendly Mr Clark.
“It’s a great thing and to be able do that for Trent is amazing,” she said.
It was also a special day for the other MIDS staff members and participants who watched on as Trent prepared for his big ride around Maitland.
Mr Clark is very grateful for the community support that made the day possible.
Ms Martin also expressed her gratitude.
“Thank you to the guys who helped us pull this off – Adam and Jason from 1833, and the Ulysses Motorcycle Club,” she said.
“It definitely wouldn’t have happened without them and I’m just glad we’re in a position to be able to make this come true for Trent.”
Surrounded by a group of supportive friends, Mr Clark jumped on the motorcycle’s passenger seat faster than you could say “born to be wild”.
He posed for photos and prepared for the “fantastic” ride.
Before long, the bright red vehicle set off on its journey, rushing down the street with a cheery Mr Clark waving in the back.