Hospital stay brings pleasant surprise
A WEST Otago family was thrilled to receive a surprise celebrity visit during a recent hospital stay for their son in Auckland.
The Davies family, of Tapanui, were in the middle of a threemonth stay at Ronald McDonald House in Auckland, for son Jock (14) to receive a bone marrow transplant for leukaemia, when they were asked if they would participate in a film promotion for the charitable cancer accommodation facility.
As Jock was an inpatient at the time, he was given permission to take part by his medical team, and soon discovered the visiting film crew was from one of the Davies family’s favourite shows, TV Three reality programme The Block.
Although the episode — where teams of contestants provide a makeover for rooms at the facility — was shown only recently, it was recorded back in midAugust, Jock’s mother Sarah said.
‘‘To be honest, anything we could do to help Ronald McDonald House we would have done, simply because they’ve been so wonderful in looking after us, but to discover it was one of our favourite shows was just amazing.’’
Concerns the family would have to move out while renovations took place were quickly put to rest.
‘‘Fortunately the teams did up some of the overnight rooms, so we were left in peace. We might get to stay in them when we return, though, which would be quite exciting.’’
Mrs Davies described the cast and crew as ‘‘warm and friendly’’.
‘‘What you see on TV is pretty accurate. The teams are lovely, downtoearth people.’’
Now safely back at home in Tapanui, Mrs Davies said Jock’s treatment was looking hopeful.
‘‘We’re pleased with where he’s at. But I think Jock’s really just interested in catching up with his mates at school.’’
The Block concludes with an auction finale at 7pm, Sunday.