Free shuttle bus for cancer patients

Photo: Que Hornery, Hornery Business Manager Lynda Croucamp and Denver Hornery. 

Cancer patients from Caboolture can now access free transport to Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (RBWH) for treatment, thanks to the generosity of Central Queensland’s Hornery Family.

The fitted-out Cancer Council Queensland Metro North shuttle bus was donated by the family of Lachlan Hornery, a former RBWH cancer patient from the Bowen Basin who died in 2008. The service has been described as a ‘lifeline’ for patients.

For Lachlan’s brother, Quentin ‘Que’ Hornery, helping others is a fitting tribute to a beloved father of five, taken too soon.

“Lachy was just a true family man. He always gave to others to make sure they felt comfortable. So now, we support cancer care families and the RBWH family,” Que says.

“We’ve met a lot of people impacted by cancer and not all of them have support – some people don’t have anyone.

“If we can help ease some of that burden for people, then that’s what we want to do – whether that’s buses or planes or whatever it takes but we have to start somewhere.”

The return service between Caboolture Library and RBWH runs four times a day on weekdays. People in the Caboolture area receiving cancer treatment at RBWH who wish to use the service should speak to their healthcare provider about a referral.

“We are deeply thankful for the generous financial contributions from the Hornery Family, Cancer Council Queensland and the Cancer Care Trust,” RBWH Cancer Care Services Acting Director Dr Melissa Eastgate says.

“Their support has been instrumental in making this vital shuttle service a reality, easing the journey for countless patients and their families.”

One of the first patients to use the new service, Catherine, is grateful transport to RBWH is now taken care.

“There is a lot to get your head around when you are diagnosed with cancer. Thanks to the shuttle service, transport to and from my appointments is no longer one of them,” Catherine says.

“If not for this option, I would have had to rely on friends and family to get to and from my appointments.

“It’s such a blessing that my husband Bill can use the service too and be by my side to lend support.”

Since establishing the 4ULOC Foundation to honour Lachy’s memory, RBWH Foundation CEO Simone Garske says the Hornery family has worked tirelessly to ease the financial and emotional burden faced by many cancer care families.

“The RBWH Foundation is indebted to the Hornery Family for their selfless commitment to easing the difficulties of cancer treatment, especially for patients from regional and remote parts of Queensland,” Ms Garske says.

“The new Cancer Council Queensland Metro North shuttle bus will remove anxieties surrounding the logistics of travel, such as peak-hour traffic, parking costs and fatigue.

“It truly is a lifeline.”

Ms Garske says the “incredible gift” was not only a fitting tribute to Lachlan, but a powerful reminder of what’s possible when heartfelt giving meets real community need.

“It’s important to say that you don’t have to give a bus to make a difference,” Que adds.

“If everybody does a little bit – gives a little bit – we can help each other through. We can’t expect the same people to come through every time. We all have to be prepared to contribute.

“A lot of hands make easier work, especially when we’re taking on big goals. No matter how small, it all counts.”