A dying woman living in a hospice centre in Newcastle got her final wish from Hollywood and Don, a couple of handsome Redfern horses from the Mounted Unit NSW Police Force.
In her early 20s, Rita became the first female mounted police officer in the United Kingdom.
Hollywood and Don traveled more than 100 miles with their handlers, Graham and Nicole, from their homebase in Redfern to Calvary Mater in Newcastle, where 75-year-old Rita Meredith (nee Browning), was waiting to see and smell them.
According to the Mounted Unit, Rita has been “quite unwell and is not expected to return home” from the care facility where she has been receiving treatment in her last days. However, she wanted to be around horses for one last time.
Her friend thought of getting in touch with the NSW police unit to see if they could help grant her last wish and they obliged.
The Redfern horses met visited Rita on 10 March 2021. She was able to pat and feed Hollywood and Don as well, whilst Graham and Nicole answered questions from the care facility workers who were swept with emotions for Rita.
“A pretty special feat for a very special lady,” Emily Skyes, Rita’s daughter-in-law, posted on Facebook. “She has done plenty of other extraordinary things in her life, but these days are always looked back at fondly and some of the best she recalls.”
“I cannot thank the NSW police for making this happen. You have made this lovely ladies wish come true and did it with such professionalism, respect and grace. On behalf of Rita’s family and friends, THANK YOU!” Emily added.
“We are blown away, thank you to everyone that has commented or shared this post. We are humbled yet so excited for people to see our lovely mum.”